Non-Contextual JQZ Transformations

Abstract

Initiated by David Lewin, the contextual PLR-transformations are well known from neo-Riemannian theory. As it has been noted, these transformations are only used for major and minor triads. In this paper, we introduce non-contextual bijections called JQZ transformations that could be used for any kind of chord. These transformations are pointwise, and the JQZ group that they generate acts on any type of n-chord. The properties of these groups are very similar, and the JQZ-group could extend the PLR-group in many situations. Moreover, the hexatonic and octatonic subgroups of JQZ and PLR groups are subdual.