Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why did Emperor Joseph II limit encores after a performance of The Marriage of Figaro?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
The Marriage of Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Following the third performance of The Marriage of Figaro, Emperor Joseph II issued an edict to limit the number of encores during performances. The primary reason for this decision was to ensure that the evening's entertainment remained at a reasonable length. Under this new rule, only musical numbers written for a single voice were permitted to be repeated.
It is worth noting, however, that historical evidence suggests this imperial decree may not have been strictly enforced.1