[JohnnyB]

Of course music is formulaic, just like all sorts of enjoyable things are formulaic. The reason is because the structure is what really makes it interesting and enjoyable to us. It's comparable to trying to play a game of chess but not having any rules. You end up with just a bunch of meaningless pieces and a patchwork board. That structure is needed in order for it be something you'd call a game and for it to be really stimulating and enjoyable.

The same goes for music I think. Take the formulas away or make them unbalanced and nobody wants to listen. Whether a person's music is more like chess or more like tiddlywinks, I think it's true.