Equivalence class (music)

In music theory, equivalence class is an equality (=) or equivalence between properties of sets (unordered) or twelve-tone rows (ordered sets). A relation rather than an operation, it may be contrasted with derivation.[1] "It is not surprising that music theorists have different concepts of equivalence [from each other]..."[2] "Indeed, an informal notion of equivalence has always been part of music theory and analysis. Pitch class set theory, however, has adhered to formal definitions of equivalence."[1] Traditionally, octave equivalency is assumed, while inversional, permutational, and transpositional equivalency may or may not be considered (sequences and modulations are techniques of the common practice period which are based on transpositional equivalency; similarity within difference; unity within variety/variety within unity).

Not to be confused with Equivalence class in mathematics or return period.
A perfect octave between two C's; equivalent but not identical
Enharmonic equivalence
The notes F♯ and G♭ are enharmonic equivalents
G and B are enharmonic equivalents, both the same as A♮
Enharmonically equivalent key signatures of B♮ and C♭ major, each followed by its respective tonic chord

A definition of equivalence between two twelve-tone series that Schuijer describes as informal despite its air of mathematical precision, and that shows its writer considered equivalence and equality as synonymous:

Two sets [twelve-tone series], P and P′ will be considered equivalent [equal] if and only if, for any pi,j of the first set and p′i′,j′ of the second set, for all is and js [order numbers and pitch class numbers], if i=i′, then j=j′. (= denotes numeral equality in the ordinary sense).

— Milton Babbitt, (1992). The Function of Set Structure in the Twelve-Tone System, 8-9, cited in[3]

Forte (1963, p. 76) similarly uses equivalent to mean identical, "considering two subsets as equivalent when they consisted of the same elements. In such a case, mathematical set theory speaks of the 'equality,' not the 'equivalence,' of sets."[4] However, equality may be considered identical (equivalent in all ways) and thus contrasted with equivalence and similarity (equivalent in one or more ways but not all). For example, the C major scale, G major scale, and the major scale in all keys, are not identical but share transpositional equivalence in that the size of the intervals between scale steps is identical while pitches are not (C major has F♮ while G major has F♯). The major third and the minor sixth are not identical but share inversional equivalence (an inverted M3 is a m6, an inverted m6 is a M3). A melody with the notes G A B C is not identical to a melody with the notes C B A G, but they share retrograde equivalence.

See also

Sources
  1. Schuijer (2008). Analyzing Atonal Music: Pitch-Class Set Theory and Its Contexts, p.85. ISBN 978-1-58046-270-9.
  2. Schuijer (2008), p.86.
  3. Schuijer (2008), p.87.
  4. Schuijer (2008), p.89.
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