The Depardieus play Marin Marais (young and old), a little known 17th Century viola da gamba player and composer. After years striving to become a pupil of the great viol maestro Monsieur de Sainte Colombe, Marais is seduced from true greatness by love and fame. Older and wiser he reflects on his life and sadly realises his mistakes. Brooding and intense, this is an emotional film and a must for anyone interested in the history of music.