Comparison Essay1 Daehwan Kim 201421621

Which Dramatic Music Do You Want to Listen to Pansori or Opera?

Even though, there are a number of music genres in the world, some music genres
have in common. Especially Pansori, a genre of Korean traditional music, resembles Opera
which is a Western dramatic music genre. Pansori is frequently referred to as Korean Opera
because of their similarities. Above all, the genre of both Pansori and Opera is quite similar.
They are all dramatic music genre. Hence, there are many similarities, for instance,
composition of both music genres, long length of a performance time. Nevertheless, there are
also differences between them such as musical instruments and their audience. From now on,
you shall see the similarities and differences between them.

Pansori and Opera have similar composition of music. First of all, both Pansori and
Opera have 'Chang' and 'Aria'. These signify the songs what are about dramatic stories in the
play. Second, Pansori and Opera are composed of 'Aniri' and 'Recitative songs'. These types
of songs are parlando style which is a way of singing that tells a story. The tales of both
Pansori and Opera are originated mostly from mythology or orally transmitted literature. Also,
acting is one of their similarities. Actors and actress in opera act on the stage. Likewise, a
vocalist of Pansori act the characters represented in a drama. We call the acting in Pasori
'Balim' in Korea. Other similarity in terms of composition of music between these two
performances is that both are accompanied by musical instruments. A drum is used to beat
rhythms in Pansori, and an orchestra provides the background music in Opera. These musical
instruments in both of them can help to convey the dramatic stories to audiences.

Both Pansori and Opera are not only dramatic music but also theatrical arts. In

Comparison Essay1 Daehwan Kim 201421621

general, only one vocalist of Pansori sings and tells the all episodes of dramatic music with a
drummer which is called 'Gosu'. It took a long time. For instance, <Simchungga> that is one
of Pansori story takes about eight hours from beginning to end. Whereas, there are many
actors and actresses each character in Opera. They sing the songs in chorus. Otherwise actor
or actress sings a solo. Opera also takes a long time about three to five hours though,
interesting fact is that it has break times interval of each acts about 15 to 20 minutes. These
two types of music are theatrical arts. There are visual splendor stage setting and colorful
costumes in Opera. While, Pansori usually perform on the street which is crowded places.
Also, audience is one of most important components.

Pansori and Opera both need audiences; however the target audiences and their role
in performance are quite different. In modern society, there is no humble status or lowly
status. However, there existed the hierarchy society in the past. The target audiences of
Pansori and Opera were different at that time. Pansori was spread by commoners or low
classes. On the other hand, Opera was considered performance for aristocrats and royalty in
the past, even though anyone regardless of their class can see an opera nowadays. Next, in
terms of audience participation there are some differences. During the Pansori performances,
the audience is encouraged to actively interact and participate, while the Opera audience is
expected to quietly see the show and applaud at appropriate times.

As you can see, both Pansori and Opera are similar but different in many ways.
Pansori is representative the Korean traditional dramatic music and Opera is representative
the Western dramatic music respectively. Also, they have entertained audiences and
sometimes they have moved peoples heart until now. Meanwhile, we can find much
dissimilarity between them. The musical instrument of background music is one of

Comparison Essay1 Daehwan Kim 201421621

differences. Pansori use only a drum for beating rhythms. On the other hand, orchestra which
is composed of various musical instruments plays background music of Opera. Only one
vocalist of Pansori usually performs all of the episodes. In Opera, there are various actors and
actresses who act and sing. During the Pansori performances, the audience is a part of
performance thus they can participate in it, whereas the Opera audience generally watch the
performances quietly rather than participating. You should see both pansori and Opera
performances then you will be impressed with them.