New Approaches to Sound, Music, and Media

A History and Theory of the Abstract Moving Image

By: Henry Balme

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Hardcover | 19 February 2026

At a Glance

Hardcover
288 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.6

Hardcover

RRP $190.00

$167.99

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Embarking on a journey through music history from the 18th century to the present, this book unveils the symbiotic relationship between abstract moving imagery and music across various media such as films, concert projections, and kaleidoscopes.

In the last two decades, the term "visual music" has gained currency among artists, exhibition curators, film scholars, and musicologists. Despite its widespread use in publications, the term remains enigmatic, leaving us with more questions than answers: Does "visual music" refer to the visual representation of melodies, or does it extend to musical interpretations of images? For the first time, this groundbreaking book critically examines the term, establishing a clear definition of what visual music is: an abstract moving image.

In addition to surveying visual music historically, this book provides in-depth analyses and fresh perspectives on seminal abstract films by visionary directors, including Mary Ellen Bute, Jordan Belson, Oskar Fischinger, and Walter Ruttmann, and James Whitney. By establishing theoretical precision and historical depth for the term visual music, the book offers invaluable insights for scholars in musicology, art history, film studies, and students venturing into the burgeoning realm of audiovisual studies. This is an indispensable resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape where visual and musical expressions converge.

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