For its first album, the vocal and instrumental ensemble La Nébuleuse surveys the career of Marc-Antoine Charpentier through a selection of his motets, still often little known. 
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Whether dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Lord, or the deceased, for one or more voices, with violins or just a basso continuo, the very young ensemble La Nébuleuse, conducted by the young Gabriel Rignol, fully reveals the uniqueness of each motet on this album. Four voices and five instrumentalists are all Charpentier needs to display the full extent of his art.
The album, very simply titled Motets, is released by Musica Ficta as part of its Opera Prima collection dedicated to debut recordings by emerging artists. In addition to a selection of twelve Charpentier motets composed between 1670 and 1696, the programme includes three instrumental pieces by Henry Du Mont and Sébastien de Brossard (composers contemporary with Charpentier). It draws inspiration from the practices of religious services, where instrumental interludes were added to give the singers’ voices moments of rest.
One of the strengths of this recording lies in the blend of the four singers’ voices, which merge harmoniously while respecting the individuality of each. The choir forms and dissolves (to make room for the soloist(s)) with natural fluidity. Tenor Antonin Rondepierre possesses a clear voice with even high notes and a firm lower range verging on baritone. His breath control allows him to sustain the stability of his vocal lines. The purity of soprano Clémence Niclas’s voice lends a celestial quality to her parts. The sparing use of ornamentation enhances the clarity of her appeals to the Lord (in the De Profundis clamavi, for example). She navigates deftly between humble piety, brought out through finely shaded nuance, and a luminous clarity of angelic inspiration, combining both precision and purity.
Haute-contre Brice Claviez-Homberg brings out the fragility of humanity in the face of the divine. This is evident in the sensitivity of his singing and the airy lightness of his timbre. At times, his head voice borders on the limits of accuracy. The low notes of bass Imanol Iraola lend the choruses a touch of authority, evoking God’s authority over the world. The slightly velvety texture of the timbre and the warmth of certain notes convey an expression of gentleness.
The slender forces allow the coherence of the four voices and their coordination to shine through each motet. The interplay brings out the music’s contours, as in the De Profundis clamavi, where their shared mastery of breath in the mystical “Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine” contrasts with the sparkle and joy of the next phrase, “Et lux perpetua luceat eis.” The vocal work generally respects the sobriety essential to the sacred character of these motets. They retain their spiritual and contemplative vocation without being marred by excessive vocal display.
The instrumental ensemble aligns itself with this same spirit. It supports the voices intimately without neglecting its own musical identity. It proves expressive in the symphonic passages without clashing with the soul of the motets. The unity between ensemble and voices is all the more appreciable thanks to the small forces, which allow for a wide musical palette while preserving an intimate atmosphere. And, as the cherry on top, Julie Bador’s recording captures a magnificent sound, giving the listener the near impression of being present in the Chapelle des Sœurs Noires in Mons (France), where the album was recorded in excellent acoustic conditions.
Taking on a rare repertoire, La Nébuleuse, through its first recording, offers a thoroughly satisfying overview of French baroque motets. The ensemble highlights their complexity and expressiveness while preserving their religious character. This pioneering disc could help establish Gabriel Rignol’s group as a promising ensemble to watch closely in the coming years.
Technical details
Title: Motets
Composer: Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704)
Ensemble: La Nébuleuse
Musical direction: Gabriel Rignol
Release date: October 3, 2025
Cast:
- Antonin Rondepierre — Tenor
- Clémence Niclas — Soprano
- Brice Claviez-Homberg — Haute-contre
- Imanol Iraola — Bass
Label: Musica Ficta (1 audio CD; duration: approx. 82 min)
Note: First release by the ensemble La Nébuleuse devoted to Charpentier’s sacred works.
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