Luc Vincent Thiery De Sainte-Colombe Paintings

Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe, often known simply as Sainte-Colombe, was a French composer and violist who lived during the Baroque period. His exact birth and death dates are not definitively known, but he is believed to have been born around 1640 and to have died in 1700. Sainte-Colombe is recognized for his contributions to the music of the viola da gamba, a stringed instrument popular during the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Sainte-Colombe’s life is shrouded in mystery as there are very few records concerning his personal history. However, his legacy as a musician and composer is significant. He is credited with adding a seventh string to the bass viola da gamba, which expanded the instrument's range and technical possibilities. This modification allowed for greater expression and complexity in the music written for the instrument.

He composed numerous pieces for the viola da gamba, including over 170 concerts à deux violes égales (duets for two equal viols), which are considered some of the most intricate and expressive works in the viol repertoire. These compositions showcase a rich interplay between the two instruments and reflect a deep understanding of the viol’s capabilities.

Despite his accomplishments, Sainte-Colombe led a relatively private life, and it was said that he preferred to play his viol in a small garden pavilion away from the public eye. His work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime outside of a circle of connoisseurs and fellow musicians. The details of his tutelage are also a matter of some speculation, but it is often suggested that the famous viol player Marin Marais was among his students. This relationship, albeit not well-documented, was romanticized in the 1991 film 'Tous les matins du monde,' which brought renewed interest to Sainte-Colombe’s music and life.

After his death, Sainte-Colombe's influence continued to be felt through his contributions to viol technique and the repertoire he left behind. His works have been rediscovered and performed by modern viola da gamba players, helping to revive interest in the instrument and its music. Sainte-Colombe remains an enigmatic figure in the history of Baroque music, but his compositions stand as a testament to his skill and creativity as a musician.