Marais was the leading figure and the focal person in the French school of bass viol playing. He spent all of his lifetime in the city of Paris and served the royal family much of that time. Having studied with Sainte-Colombe and Lully, Marais composed four operas the most notable being "Alcione." It is memorable for its act containing a storm passage and it provided a transition between the operas of Lully and Campra. The collections of music for one to three viols was Marais' most important contribution. The collection includes over 550 different works including dances and character pieces. Qualitatively the character pieces are among Marais' finest works with grace, galantry, full harmonies, and embellished details. In 1692 Marais published "Pieces de trio pour les flutes, violon, et desses de viole" which were the first trio sonatas in France. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide