Born in Paris, baptized May 31, 1656
Died in Paris, Aug 15, 1728
- Marais studied the viol at the choir school of the church of St. Germain-l’Auxerrois. Subsequently he studied with famous bass viol virtuoso Sainte-Colombe, and reportedly surpassed the skills of his teacher in 6 months.
- Marais played viol in the prestigious Opéra orchestra under the direction of Lully, who also taught him composition.
- Marais composed operas and instrumental music, and eventually became conductor of the Opéra orchestra. 1
Marais played the viol “Like an angel”
Marais’ contemporaries thought so, according to his Grove’s article
Sources
- Jérôme de La Gorce and Sylvette Milliot, “Marais, Marin,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed November 13, 2019, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000017702.