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What are jangdan in pansori music?

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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, jangdan refers to the various metric frameworks that structure the music. Each jangdan is defined by several specific characteristics:1

Beat Structure: They are distinguished by the number and subdivision of beats within a metric unit.1
Accent Patterns: Each framework features a unique pattern of accents.1
Tempo: They include general specifications regarding the speed of the performance.1

Beyond their technical function, jangdan are deeply expressive. They are used to evoke specific emotional states, such as lamentation, enjoyment, agony, or suspense. Furthermore, they help define the narrative, with specific jangdan used to accompany the appearance of certain characters—such as mythical creatures—or to distinguish between narrative passages, lyrical sections, and the explanatory remarks that conclude a performance.1