Set in the 17th century, the story transports us into the life of the enigmatic composer and viola da gamba player, Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe. Burdened by grief after the death of his wife, Sainte-Colombe has sunk into a solitary and obsessive existence, surrounded by music and memories. His world is disrupted by the arrival of a young and talented musician named Marin Marais, who deeply admires him and seeks to learn from his genius.
At first, the old master is reluctant and skeptical, convinced that true music can only arise from pain and experience. However, little by little, Marais’ fire and passion challenge his worldview, leading to a complex master-student relationship filled with rivalry and learning.
As the plot unfolds, the tensions between technique and emotion in music are explored, as well as Sainte-Colombe's personal struggle to reconcile his pain with his art. The story is imbued with melancholy and visual beauty, with settings that reflect the opulence and desolation of the era. In an emotional journey toward redemption and understanding, the characters must confront their own demons and discover that music, despite its inherent sadness, can also be a source of connection and hope.