Marin Marais

Marin Marais was born in Paris on 31 May 1656 and studied composition with Jean-Baptiste Lully, often conducting his operas. He spent six months learning bass viol under Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, the instrument's reigning master. In 1676 he was hired as a musician to the royal court at Versailles, and three years later appointed ordinaire de la chambre du roy pour la viole — a post he held until 1725. He remained at court nearly half a century, writing and performing. His son Roland became a composer as well. Marais died in Paris on 15 August 1728.