These variations are based on the concept of Beethoven's 32 variations in C Minor. In Beethoven's work, all the variations are eight bars long, without any changes in tempi or time signature. Each variation is complete in itself, but the variations are carefully grouped and juxtaposed to have a cummalitive effect. His individual variations are always very clearly connected with the original theme, both melodically and harmonically. Rather than occupying himself solely with decoration of the original melody, Beethoven's concern was with piano figuration and technique.
In following the principles Beethoven created in this work, Elias has attempted to concern himself with the same preoccupations; by using clealy audible motifs that permit him to concentrate on writing for the instrument, and by using short, sharply defined phrases (always of eight bars) to build up a larger structure.