Although the two genres contrast each other in terms of the cultural style and its instrumentation, it is the execution of stories that originate from pain, heartbreak, and loss. Listeners can find that there are a lot of things in common between the two musical cultures, especially when analyzing their background and how the style of music came about. Most people are aware that Jazz is a genre of music that originally was developed by African-American communities. It has developed in various ways, causing the composition and style to have also changed many times throughout the years. Of course, not to mention that each performer's personal interpretation is crucial in the performance of Jazz as it can change the mood of the piece entirely.
As mentioned earlier, Pansori was also a method of communication in many ways, to express and represent the emotions that were forced to be held within individuals. Though the historical culture behind the countries in which Pansori and American Jazz have developed from are completely different, they share the same purpose. In both musical cultures, vocal timbre and emotions are expressed through singing as it communicates the truth from the performer's heart.
Thus, keeping the cultural/historical influences in mind, both musical styles involve and require a lot of expression from the performers, as the nature of the piece is to express emotional states corresponding to the narration of the singer.
As mentioned earlier, Pansori was also a method of communication in many ways, to express and represent the emotions that were forced to be held within individuals. Though the historical culture behind the countries in which Pansori and American Jazz have developed from are completely different, they share the same purpose. In both musical cultures, vocal timbre and emotions are expressed through singing as it communicates the truth from the performer's heart.
Thus, keeping the cultural/historical influences in mind, both musical styles involve and require a lot of expression from the performers, as the nature of the piece is to express emotional states corresponding to the narration of the singer.
Rhythm (& Syncopation)
Although the two musical cultures are not necessarily linked in terms of compositional methods, their intent and purpose for the use of syncopation and varied rhythms is the same. In both figures 1.0 and 2.0, it is evident that both cultures take advantage of the freedom and creativity that is allowed in composition and creation, as they apply variations of the techniques of rests, short notes, and ties. Through these examples, we can clearly see that syncopation is used as a tool of dramatic expression, which was developed through both their cultural backgrounds; their roots.
Phrasing (& Structure)
PANSORI
Pansori is known to have a monophonic texture, with a simple accompaniment by the go-su. Most of the time, it is a solo performance (disregarding the go-su) by the sori-kkun. During the performance, the sori-kkun interacts with the audience, and the audience's response is pivotal as it influences the mood of the piece. Back in the day, the main audience of Pansori were the poor, general public. Therefore, the heavy emotions and feelings that are being communicated, along with the story that is being told, influence the phrasing of notes in Pansori. However, one must keep in mind that the style and intonation of the sori-kkun has full control over the phrasing of Pansori, and therefore will most likely sound different when performed by different singers. In one way, it could be viewed that the delivery of Pansori is more effective due to its monophonic recitation. It helps the main melody line receive all the attention from the audience, as it excludes any other instruments besides the steady beat lead by the go-su. Because it does not have any harmonic elements, it leaves only the message that is intended to be conveyed to and understood by the audience. |
JAZZ
In comparison to Pansori, listeners will hear more polyphonic, harmonic textures in American Be-bop jazz music. Be-bop jazz is known to be loud, exciting and loose; so one could assess the similarity of the role of the sori-kkun in Pansori with the main instrument featured in a Be-bop jazz piece. In its fast tempo, the structure of Be-bop jazz is a lot less restrained compared to the other styles of jazz. It is all about the freedom of expression and exploration in the moment. The melody line or the rhythm will often times sound jagged and irregular, generating a mysterious but fun chunk of music. It is out of the ordinary; unexpected; abrupt; unpredictable; and its daring and fierce attitude is what separates it from previous styles of jazz. |
CONCLUSION
From research based on the growth and development of these two cultures, Pansori and American Be-bop Jazz, we see a lot of cultural similarities and how these styles of music were brought about due to oppressed feelings and emotions. Both musical cultures share the same purpose and intent, as they aspire to communicate pain and suffering, but also freedom and hope. Because these cultures originated and evolved in abused and disadvantaged backgrounds, today they have become two of the most freely expressed styles of music. Although these were both cultures and styles of music that were restricted, controlled, and constrained in the past, they are now known to be styles that are significant of the fearless, brave, and courageous attitude. Through the examination of the similarities that Pansori and Be-bop jazz share in terms of musical styles and techniques, we realize that the development of that style, its intended purpose, and its influence today dates way back to its historic cultural background; its origin.