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How do pansori rhythms mark narrative passages and lyrical passages?

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See and hear a man play a Korean buk — pansori Learn about the Korean *buk* (double-headed barrel drum) by watching and listening to a man play the type of *buk* that accompanies *pansori* narrative singing.

In pansori, the rhythmic frameworks known as jangdan serve as essential tools for distinguishing between different sections of a performance. These metric patterns are used to specifically mark narrative passages and lyrical passages, as well as the explanatory remarks that conclude a performance.1

Each jangdan is defined by its unique beat structure, subdivision, accent patterns, and tempo. Beyond merely structuring the music, these rhythms are deeply evocative; they are chosen to reflect specific emotional states—such as lamentation, agony, or suspense—and are even used to accompany the appearance of particular characters, such as mythical creatures, within the story. Throughout the performance, the drummer provides these rhythmic settings, engaging in improvised interaction with the vocalist to support the dramatic delivery of the story.12