Larsen states that she chose the instruments for Firebrand for their colour, combination and for their agility. However rather than a nonstop, wildly virtuosic affair that might be suggested from the title, it is in fact quite the opposite: the piece centres on the image of a flame moving outwards towards its turbulent and flickering edges. She believes that this image also reflects what fine musicians have mastered-the ability to work from a place of centred calm in order to display astonishing virtuosity. A refrain from June Carter Cash's song 'Ring of Fire' is also interwoven throughout the piece, in homage to the famous songwriter who died whilst Larsen was composing the piece.