Finding optimal triadic transformational spaces with Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm

Ryan Groves

pp. 122-127

in: Tom Collins, David Mérédith, Anja Volk (eds), Mathematics and computation in music, Berlin, Springer, 2015

Abstract

This paper presents a computational approach to a particular theory in the work of Julian Hook—Uniform Triadic Transformations (UTTs). A UTT defines a function for transforming one chord into another, and is useful for explaining triadic transitions that circumvent traditional harmonic theory. By combining two UTTs and extrapolating, it is possible to create a two-dimensional chord graph. Meanwhile, graph theory has long been studied in the field of Computer Science. This work describes a software tool which can compute the shortest path between two points in a two-dimensional transformational chord space. Utilizing computational techniques, it is then possible to find the optimal chord space for a given musical piece. The musical work of Michael Nyman is analyzed computationally, and the implications of a weighted chord graph are explored.