In the beginning, when Todd is laying down the rules, there's a certain repetitive thematic idea you hear.

Is there a downside to using thematic ideas as a platform?

Some of the thematic ideas were probably conceived years before the Essay's completion.

When thematic ideas are so prolonged and elaborate, there is not much one can do to develop them.

Write down a specific move, a phrase, a movement idea, an image or thematic idea to work from, or toward.

The thematic idea (main melody or rhythmical groove) comes first.

In terms of historical context, a major thematic idea is that related to knowledge and the quest for it.

The thematic idea central to the whole work is very similar to the theme of the composer's Danube symphony (1923-25).

It's a grounded work in which the thematic ideas transcend the narrative

The listener followed Beethoven's thematic ideas along their carefully constructed paths.