The title of this work is based on the name of the commissioning band: Music Society Asaf (Dutch for Asaph). In the Hebrew Bible, the poet, singer and seer Asaph is in charge of the choir in the house of King David. Various psalms, including Psalm 81, which is used in this work, are attributed to him. The melody of this psalm is flanked by a march-like initial part, and the traditional klezmer melody ‘Uri Tzion’ features as a spectacular finale.