There are, of course, inherent tendencies to repetition in music itself. Our poetry, our ballads, our songs are full of repetition; nursery rhymes and the little chants and songs we use to teach young children have choruses and refrains. We are attracted to repetition, even as adults; we want the stimulus and the reward again and again, and in music we get it. Perhaps, therefore, we should not be surprised, should not complain if the balance sometimes shifts too far and our musical sensitivity becomes a vulnerability.

Summary

This quote highlights the natural inclination towards repetition in music. From nursery rhymes to adult songs, repetition is integral to the enjoyment we derive from music. The quote suggests that our desire for repeated stimuli and rewards in music is inherently human, yet acknowledges that this fondness for repetition can occasionally make us vulnerable to certain musical imbalances. Rather than complaining, we should embrace the influence of repetition in music and understand that it is a significant aspect of our musical sensitivity.

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