The Korean Singer of Tales

The Korean Singer of Tales is the first book-length treatment in English of this remarkable art form and contains the first annotated English translation of a full performance text. Pihl traces the history of pansori from its roots in shamanism and folktales through its nineteenth-century heyday and discusses its evolution in the twentieth century. The place of pansori in popular entertainment, its textual tradition, and its vocal and rhythmic techniques are all examined.