Unlike most German comic operas of the period, which have spoken dialogue, Der Barbier von Bagdad is through composed.

However, political actions by the director of the theater resulted in demonstrations against Liszt and the so-called neo-German school of composition.

[2] In the late 19th century two versions were made, by the noted Wagnerian conductors Felix Mottl and Hermann Levi.

[1] Finally, in June 1904, the original version as composed by Cornelius was again staged in the Weimar Hoftheater, this time to popular approval and critical acclaim.

Abdul Hassan, the barber is summoned, and like his confrère of Seville in Rossini's earlier opera, he adopts the role of co-conspirator in the romance.