Intermedial interference in electroacoustic audiovisual composition: Theoretical and practical explorations in combining sound and moving image

Abstract This essay investigates intermedial interference – a perceptual phenomenon arising from the interaction of media features within the intermedial space – in the context of electroacoustic audiovisual composition. Grounded in visual music and intermedial arts traditions, this research explores strategies for combining, integrating and fusing sound and moving images to create artefacts that transcend conventional multimedia juxtaposition. This essay refers to the author’s doctoral practice-based research, in which a portfolio of six works is examined through the study, discussing the nature of interference, the interaction of media features in the intermedial space, the role of balance in managing perceptual equilibrium and novel compositional methods, including associative mapping and synchrony typologies. A case study of one of the portfolio works illustrates the application of these concepts, emphasising remediation, meta-narrative and audience interpretation. The findings contribute new insights into intermedial audiovisual practice, offering methodologies for composers to harness media interactions and foster open, subjective engagements with intermedial artefacts.