Marin Marais

The Profile

French Baroque composer and virtuoso viola da gamba player (1656–1728), best known for his Pièces de viole.

Born 1656 and died 1728. Marais was a leading French Baroque composer and a celebrated viola da gamba virtuoso; he served as a musician at the court of Louis XIV and is particularly known for his multi-book Pièces de viole.

A contemplative review that frames Marais's music as acts of 'sublimation' — of material, craft, notation and listening. The writing praises the clarity and ordered sound of the performances while retaining a sense of mystery about how the effect is achieved. The reviewer highlights instruments, craftsmanship and repeated listening as part of the experience.