Whining As Performance Art: Tales of ‘Valituskuoro’

If you’ve ever sung in a choir you know the wonderful feeling of oneness with others. There is the solidarity of many breathing as one, the unifying feeling of standing shoulder-to-shoulder and making glorious sound. But what if you can’t sing? Well, there are many types of choirs — and anybody who has ever watched “American Idol” auditions knows that lack of singing ability need not be a barrier
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If you’ve ever sung in a choir you know the wonderful feeling of oneness with others. There is the solidarity of many breathing as one, the unifying feeling of standing shoulder-to-shoulder and making glorious sound. But what if you can’t sing? Well, there are many types of choirs — and anybody who has ever watched American Idol auditions knows that lack of singing ability need not be a barrier to success.

Those who cruise around the web regularly may have seen the viral videos of what are called Complaints Choirs. One blogger felicitously described the phenomenon as “organized griping set to music.”

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Deborah Griffin Bly
About the Author
Deborah Griffin Bly is a musician and writer living in Staten Island, New York.