Sherlaw Johnson's time in Paris exerted its mark on his professional development. He came to be known for his performances and recordings of Messiaen's piano and (as accompanist) vocal music. The insight this gave him is evident in his monograph on the composer, which remains a standard English-language text on its subject. Some of his own earlier compositions show the influence of Messiaen, Varèse and Boulez. His work subsequently moved in a more individual direction, but his continuing sympathy with the European musical avant garde is evident in his interest in serialism, fractal music and extended performance techniques. These interests can be seen in works such as Green Whispers of Gold and Praise of Heaven & Earth, for voice, piano and tape. He also wrote and lectured on mathematics and music, and founded the Electronic music Studio at Oxford University.
