Programme note
Roosenschoon wrote JANUS for string orchestra in 1973 whilst he was a student at the Conservatoire of Music, Pretoria. The work was given several performances that year by the SA Junior String Orchestra, conducted by Betty Pack.
Referring to the Roman god of doors and gates who had two faces, JANUS looks in opposite directions. Hence the work combines two contrasting sailor songs:
“The Drunken Sailor” and the “Volga Boat Song”.