Pansori

Pansori 판소리. Epic stories narrated in song (sori) by a male or female soloist, that emerged in the 18th century in popular meeting places (pan). The soloist conveys the story through song (sori), spoken narration, gesticulation, and the help of a handkerchief or fan. The singer is accompanied by a soribuk performer, who marks out the songs' rhythmic patterns and interacts, as does the audience, through vocal expressions of approval and support such as by shouting "eolssigu!" (얼씨구!) The soloist employs a huge variety of vocal techniques to achieve a broad tonal spectrum, and a hoarse, rough voice is a typical feature. Five of the traditional repertoire's twelve original pieces are currently preserved.