Schumann's dotted rhythm

[pianoloverus]

I have read several articles that criticized Schumann for overusing dotted rhythm. Some even said his obsessive use of this rhythm was a symptom of his mental illness. I must admit that before reading those articles I had never noticed his penchant for using these rhythms, but after reading the articles I began to notice this use a lot more. For example, the second movement of his Fantasie (one of my all time favorite pieces) uses dotted rhythm A LOT as does the finale of his Symphonic Etudes.  Do you think that Schumann's use of dotted rhythm is really obsessive? Do you think that his use of this rhythm is a compositional weakness??

[Hector_the_Crow]

Obsessive yes, weakness no. Symptom of mental illness? Maybe. (Actually I doubt it, since both the march from Op. 17 and the final movement of the symphonic etudes are relatively early works). Every composer needs a trademark or two, and I think both works would be considerablly duller without the repetitive dotted rhythms Schumann uses throughout.

[mozartean]

I am now learning Schumann's Carnaval. There are lots of syncopations that appear in many episodes. I am particularly intrigued by the episode `Paganini' in which the left hand starts first such that both hands are in similiar motion.

[Nightscape]

Wow... this is an ancient post.


Sorry!

[infinitesimalspeck]

You know what they say: it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

Or does that not make any sense here? 

[slow_concert_pianist]

Refer to my last comment re: genius/madness. All I can add is they say angry people produce cross rhythms.............................................boom boom......ahem