Glossary

Transformational Theory (Lewin)

Transformational theory in music, developed by David Lewin, focuses on relationships between musical objects rather than the objects themselves. It employs mathematical groups to model musical transformations for both tonal and atonal music analysis. The theory emphasizes the process of transforming one musical object into another, such as changing a C major chord to a G major through a Dominant operation. Lewin's approach shifts from analyzing the static composition of musical objects to exploring the dynamic intervals and movements between them.