While reading Stephen C. Foster's "Video and Intermedia: Remarks on their Relationship", I found it interesting Foster attempted to define "intermedia" by distinguishing it from "multimedia". Foster seems to say that while multimedia simply means a combination of different mediums, intermedia has a specific function. The function of intermedia is to facilitate discussion, but not discussion that is limited to the piece itself, and not even discussion that is limited to what the piece says about art. Art is powerless when it speaks only about itself and about the art world. From how I understand it, Foster seems to suggest that the function of intermedia is to act as a liaison between the audience and the world consciousness so that it can facilitate a political discussion. Like Duchamp's "Fountain", the merit of the art is not in its substance, but in its relationship between the viewer and the viewer's environment.
The video I've posted is of The Beatles' "Revolution 9". I'm not sure if this would qualify as intermedia, but the concepts presented by Foster do relate to this song. Musically, "Revolution 9" is questionable. However, as I understand it, the function of this song in Lennon's mind was to represent a political revolution in the medium of music. The song creates a musical link between the listener and the concept of revolution. The purpose of the song is not to be a catchy tune, but is instead to facilitate a discussion about an idea outside of the musical domain.
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