Pansori

Pansori
Pansori performance at the Busan Cultural Center in Busan South Korea
Korean name
Hangul
Revised Romanization	Pansori
McCune–Reischauer	P'ansori

Pansori (Korean: 판소리, also spelled p'ansori) is a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and a drummer. The music is usually performed by one sorikkun (Korean: 소리꾼, a singer) and one gosu (a drummer playing a barrel drum called buk Korean: 북). The term pansori is derived from pan (Korean: 판, meaning "a place where many people gather"), and sori (Korean: 소리, meaning "sound"). UNESCO proclaimed the pansori tradition a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003.

Pansori is thought to have originated from muga (무가; 巫歌), or shamanistic songs. Pannorum (판놀음), or non-ritualistic public entertainment, has also heavily influenced pansori as pansori is a type of pannorum.

Pansori originated in the 17th century, in the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The more 'mature' forms of pansori emerged only in the 18th century. The 19th century is considered the golden age of pansori, with an increase of popularity and advancement in the techniques. During the first half of the 19th century, vocal techniques and melodies intended to appeal to the upper class were mainly used. However, folk tunes were also incorporated to broaden the musical vocabulary. A major development in this period was made by Shin Jae-hyo (1812 - 1884). He reinterpreted and compiled songs to fit the upper class and also trained the first notable female singers. The first female pansori singer recorded was Jin Chae-seon. In the second half of the 19th century, new advancements were made in the form of new variations and versions. By the end of the Joseon period, pansori was performed for and enjoyed by the House of Yi.