Keiser composed over eighty stage works the majority of which include serious German texts and extensive subjects containing metaphorical as well as comic elements. Keiser was a skillful craftsman particularly in the venue of characterization and dramatic development. Emphatic and climactic recitatives and ariosos with interesting instrumentation demonstrate the inclusion of both French and Italian elements in his operas. Keiser also composed numerous passions, oratorios and cantatas and influenced Handel's compositions. Between 1693 and 1694 Keiser was present in Brunswick writing operas and '96-97 found him in Hamburg as the Kappelmeister. From 1700-01 he was the Kapellmeister for the Schwerin court and by 1723 he had returned to Hamburg becoming the Kantor of the Cathedral in 1728. Throughout his career Keiser served the court in Copenhagen when not working elsewhere. The opera "Der Carneval von Venedig" and the Singspiel "Der hochmuthige, gesturtzte und wieder erhabene Croesus" were successfully noted works composed by Keiser. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi