LOGAN LARSON
cryptic frequencies: movement ii. WARDENS OF THE ABYSS (2026)
grade 4 concert band and fixed media
Instrumentation
Piccolo, Flute 1 and 2, Oboe, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1, 2, and 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1 and 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Horn in F 1 and 2, Trumpet in Bb 1, 2, and 3, Trombone 1 and 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion 1, 2, 3, and 4 and Fixed Media.
Performance Notes
Stereo playback required for the electronic track. The speakers should be in front/the side of the band pointed towards the audience. This will create the correct blend of sound for the audience. If the band is extremely large, the fixed media can also be played through the hall to create a 50/50 blend in the sound, but this should be a secondary option.
For the conductor, the fixed media and concert band should ALWAYS be balanced in a 50/50 split. The band is obviously the thing we should be hearing a little more of but do not lose the backing track in the overall sound, the blend is what makes this different.
Program Notes
The second movement of Cryptic Frequencies, “Wardens Of The Abyss”, represents 396 Hz (Root Chakra) and is about liberating oneself from fear and guilt. Benefits from the frequency include overcoming fear, anxiety, and challenges related to survival and basic needs. In this movement we face the fears inside our minds. The EDM genre explored in this movement is Bass House.
Fixed Media Aural References
Track Begins; 0:00
1: Kicks and aggressive synth enters; 0:15
2: “Help me” vocals and breathy synth enter; 0:29
3: “Jump” vocals enter; 0:44
4: Drop 1; 1:02
5: High chop synth enters; 1:17
6: Tension releases, mood changes; 1:32
7: Wailing vocals enter; 1:39
8: Mood change, kick goes to four to the floor; 1:54
9: Drop 2; 2:16
10: Switch to more stopping rhythms; 2:31
11: Tension releases, mood changes; 2:46
12: “Help me” vocals return, kick remains from drums; 3:01
Percussion Legend
This is for Percussion 3 with regards to a technique for the Tam Tam. The player will use a superball/rubber mallet and swirl the mallet around the edge of the tam tam for the duration indicated. You may let the sound ring. A demonstration of the technique can be found in this YouTube video link at the 1:50 mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HD0_3VeD5k&t=2s
Cross Cueing
If parts in the score do not meet your ensemble’s instrumentation, please contact Logan Larson directly at LoganTLarson@gmail.com for transposed parts. In case of missing oboe, an alternate oboe part has been written for Bb clarinet. In case of missing bassoon, an alternate oboe part has been written for Bass Clarinet. In case of missing French Horn, an alternate oboe part has been written for Trumpet. In case of missing Euphonium, an alternate oboe part has been written for Trombone. Any other missing instruments cues can be available upon request with substitutes depending on your ensemble’s needs.
Movement of Audience and Additional Components
Movement for a concert band piece being performed in a concert hall might seem to be counterintuitive, with the audience and concert band being seated. While not required for performance, the option of adding interdisciplinary elements is encouraged. Collaborating with a dance department/dancers to further illustrate the story would allow for movement to be integrated in the performance. With the visuals that accompany this work, this can add new opportunities for lighting design and other theatrical components. I’ve had people give the ensemble and audience members glow sticks and even conduct with a glow stick. Even in a concert hall setting, while not common, movement of the audience can be encouraged. Asking the audience to stand and dance is not out of the realm of possibilities. The performance of this work can also be outside of the concert hall and give a less restrictive space for the audience to move and dance.
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Cryptic Frequencies Movement II. Wardens Of The Abyss
With swagger and strength
Vibraphone: Hard Yarn Mallets
Xylophone: Hard Plastic Mallets Pedal lightly for the entire piece
With swagger and strength
Continue dynamic swells
Continue dynamic swells
Continue dynamic swells
Continue dynamic swells
Continue dynamic swells
Continue dynamic swells