Johannes Maria Staud draws much of his inspiration from literature and the visual arts. Reflections on philosophical questions, social processes and political events also influence his compositions.

Johannes Maria Staud composed orchestra pieces commissioned by orchestras such as the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra and Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and ensemble works for Trio Catch, Klangforum Wien, Ensemble Modern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, ensemble recherche and others. The Lucerne Festival, where Johannes Maria Staud was composer-in-residence in 2014, presented the world premieres of his violin concerto Oskar (Towards a Brighter Hue II) and of the opera Die Antilope.