Mantra was commissioned by Fanfare Concordia Middelstum on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. As in Spiriti , my composition for brass band, I used an existing quote as the basis for this work: namely, the Dutch melody of Psalm 150. This theme is repeated in fragments in the manner of a mantra. This protective mantra leads us through life’s perilous rocks and untamed waters, through tranquil islands of refuge and places of calm meditation, eventually leading to a full chorale that brings t...