5.3 Korean pansori: narrative singing and cultural storytelling

Korean pansori is a captivating form of musical storytelling that blends singing, narration, and gestures. Originating in the 17th century, it evolved from shamanistic rituals and gained popularity among all social classes, eventually earning UNESCO recognition.

Pansori performances feature a skilled singer (sorikkun) and a drummer (gosu) who create a dynamic storytelling experience. The art form preserves five traditional stories that reflect Korean values, beliefs, and social norms while influencing modern Korean arts and culture.

Korean Pansori: Narrative Singing and Cultural Storytelling

Origins of pansori in Korea

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  Costumes of the Joseon dynasty | Kai Hendry | Flickr View original

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• Pansori combines singing, narration, and gestures to create traditional Korean musical storytelling
• Emerged in 17th century Joseon Dynasty evolved from shamanistic rituals, narrative songs, and puppet shows
• Initially performed by lower-class entertainers gained popularity among aristocracy in 18th-19th centuries
• UNESCO recognized pansori as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003 preserving its cultural significance

Elements of pansori performance

• Sorikkun (singer) delivers narrative using extensive vocal training and techniques (chest voice, falsetto, vibrato)
• Gosu (drummer) accompanies singer with barrel drum (buk) providing rhythmic support and emotional cues
• Aniri (storytelling) advances plot through spoken narrative sections allowing singer vocal rest
• Performance involves call-and-response interaction between singer and drummer creating dynamic storytelling experience

Five surviving pansori stories

• Chunhyangga explores love, loyalty, and social class through romance of Chunhyang and Mongryong
• Simcheongga portrays filial piety as Simcheong sacrifices herself to restore father's sight
• Heungbuga contrasts kind and greedy brothers examining fortune and karma
• Jeokbyeokga adapts Chinese novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" focusing on Battle of Red Cliffs
• Sugungga presents satirical tale with animal characters as rabbit outsmarts Dragon King

Cultural significance of pansori

• Reflects Korean values, beliefs, and social norms serving as entertainment and social commentary
• Preserves history and folklore by transmitting traditional stories and incorporating historical events
• Maintains older forms of Korean language contributing to linguistic preservation
• Influences modern Korean performing arts (film, theater, popular music) adapting to contemporary audiences
• Studied in Korean cultural education fostering appreciation for traditional art forms