The Pansori Epic Chant

　　Proclamation: 2003

　　Member State(s): Republic of Korea

　　Region: Asia-Pacific

　　Associated themes: Performing arts

　　A prominent expression of Korea's rich stage arts tradition, Pansori is a genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist with drum accompaniment. This popular tradition, characterized by expressive singing, stylized speech, a repertoire of narratives and mimetic gesture, embraces both elite and folk culture. During performances lasting up to eight hours, a male or female singer, accompanied by a single barrel drum, improvises on texts that combine rural Korean dialect with literary expressions.

　　The term pansori is derived from the Korean words pan, meaning "a place where many people gather," and sori or "song." Pansori originated in southwest Korea in the 17th century, probably as a new expression of the narrative songs of shamans. It remained an oral tradition among the common people until the late 19th century, by which time it acquired more sophisticated literary content and enjoyed considerable popularity among the urban elite. The settings, characters and situations that make up the Pansori universe are rooted in the Korea of the Joseon period (1392-1910). Among the themes explored are family loyalty, bereavement and love. Pansori singers undergo long and rigorous training to master the wide range of distinct vocal timbres and to memorize the complex repertories. Many virtuosos have developed personal interpretive styles and are renowned for their particular manner of performing specific episodes.