On the left a pile of black, on the right a pile of white sticks. Yes, of course. The keys of a piano. The illustration offers a perfect metaphor for Janssen's music. Something taken apart, then reconstructed in a new way, the basic premise at the centre of the vast majority of Janssen's work.
Innocence goes hand in hand with sophistication.
He does not rebel against traditions but always approaches them via a detour. The order in his music always takes an unexpected form, and is so painstakingly prepared that listener is caught unawares and often inwardly amused. This talent alone, the gift to be humorous with tones, makes Janssen's work unique in contemporary composition. But there are even more reasons for labelling him as the Dutch Haydn. Janssen is one of the few musicians active in both improvised and composed music.