Lee Nancho’s Dongpyeon-je (Eastern Style) Heungbo-ga

Master Lee Nancho, born in an artist family of the Honam province (i.e. the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula), began studying pansori at her age of seven. She studied “Dongpyeon-je Heungbo-ga” under Kang Do-geun, renowned by his quality thick voice and his unique additions in the upper register. She inherited the Dongpyeong-je style that has been passed down from Song Mangap to Kim Jeongmun to Kang Dogeun, and is currently designated as a holder of the national intangible cultural heritage Heungbo-ga.

The Dongpyeon-je style, which first appeared in the old document of The History of Joseon’s Vocal and Theatrical Music, was passed down in areas east of the Seomjin River, including Gurye and Namwon. It follows the traditions of Song Heungrok and Kwon Samdeuk who were active during the King Yeongjo’s period of Joseon Dynasty. The style is characterized by a solemn beginning, its ujo tune with strong voice, a short and straightforward song-endings that leave a simple, clean taste. Let us meet the charm of the Dongpyeon-je Heungbo-ga through the powerful high-pitches and highly-expressive mid- and lower-pitches sung by Master Lee Nancho, with the buk-accompaniment by Yim Hyeonbin.