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What are the major regional schools of pansori performance?
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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 the tradition of pansori, regional performance styles are known as je. These schools were largely shaped by influential 19th-century performers and are categorized into three primary groups:1
- Dongpyeonje (“east-side singing school”): Associated with the eastern Jeolla region, this style is characterized by a deep, abdominal vocal projection, a straightforward rhythm, and an emphasis on the vigorous ujo melodic mode. It specializes in the Heungbuga, Sugungga, and Jeokbyeokga song cycles.1
- Seopyeonje (“west-side singing school”): Originating from the western Jeolla region, this style is highly ornamented both rhythmically and melodically. It focuses on the sorrowful kyemyeon melodic mode and specializes in the Chunhyangga and Simcheongga song cycles.1
- Junggoje (“middle-high singing school”): Pioneered in the Chungcheong region, this school was developed in the late 19th century but had largely vanished by the early 20th century.1