"Beautiful Lissajous curves [curved lines that pass through a pair of harmonic motions in perpendicular directions] can be put through a choreography that inspires—and startles—the imagination," writes Mary Ellen Bute of her quest to visualize invisible rhythms. In ABSTRONIC, she uses a cathode ray oscilloscope combined with conventional animation techniques and two tart musical numbers (by Aaron Copland and Don Gillis) to generate a lively "seeing-sound" experience.