Marin Marais (1656 - 1728) was a prominent viola da gamba virtuoso of the Royal Chamber Music in Paris and later the conductor of the local opera orchestra. A student of Lully, he was also very successful as a composer of operas and many chamber music works, gaining fame beyond the borders of his country. In 1701, his "Second livre de pièces de Viole" was published, from which this work originates. Marin Marais crafted his variations in a very artistic, rich, and intricate manner, giving the piece a distinctly French character. The wide range and sometimes quirky leaps define the unique character of the work. The 32 variations of what is perhaps the most famous sarabande theme of that time have undergone many adaptations.