The music is composed by Alain Pewzner and Patrick Leger and the original lyrics are by Serge and Fabrice Talian.
Ante Solem
Solyma Lyrics
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Latis in desertis
Oritur in cælum
Cantus precationis
Disserit placidum
De urbis æternæ
Per stellas fulgentes
Menso itinere
Ante solem
(Occidental)
Oritur Alleluia
Tenebras sub atras
Latis in desertis
Oritur in cælum
Cantus precationis
Disserit placidum
De urbis æternæ
Per stellas fulgentes
Menso itinere
Tenebras sub atras
Latis in desertis
Oritur in cælum
Cantus precationis
Disserit placidum
De urbis æternæ
Per stellas fulgentes
Menso itinere
Ante solem
Ante solem
Carmina cantant eadem
(Occidental)
Oritur Alleluia
Tenebras sub atras
Latis in desertis
Oritur in cælum
Cantus precationis
Disserit placidum
De urbis æternæ
Per stellas fulgentes
Menso itinere
Tenebras sub atras
Latis in desertis
Oritur in cælum
Cantus precationis
Disserit placidum
De urbis æternæ
Per stellas fulgentes
Menso itinere
Ante solem
Ante solem
Ante solem
The lyrics of Solyma's song "Ante Solem" depict a spiritual journey through the darkness of the desert, culminating in a peaceful prayer before the rising sun. The first verse describes the journey, with the singer traversing broad deserts and encountering darkness. However, the focus shifts to the sky as the singer ascends, with the cantus precationis (prayer song) transitioning from a discussion of the eternal city (urbis aeternae) to a contemplation of the stars. The repeated chorus of "Ante Solem" represents the culmination of the journey, with the singer reaching their destination before the sun rises. The final verse repeats the themes of the first, with another mention of the darkness of the desert before the singer ascends again and reaches the same destination.
The imagery in the song is rich with symbolism, representing a spiritual journey towards enlightenment. The desert is often seen as a place of isolation and spiritual trial, and the darkness only adds to the feeling of trepidation. However, the singer persists and eventually transcends the darkness, ascending to the heavens and contemplating the cosmic order of the stars. The theme of ascent is also prominent, with the singer repeatedly rising upwards towards their destination, a representation of the ascension towards enlightenment.
Line by Line Meaning
Tenebras sub atras
Amidst the darkness of the night
Latis in desertis
In wide and empty spaces
Oritur in cælum
Rises up towards the heavens
Cantus precationis
A song of prayer
Disserit placidum
Spreads out peacefully
De urbis æternæ
About the eternal city
Per stellas fulgentes
Through the shining stars
Menso itinere
On a measured path
Ante solem
Before the dawn
Ante solem
Before the dawn
Oritur Alleluia
Rises up with hallelujah
Carmina cantant eadem
They sing the same song
Tenebras sub atras
Amidst the darkness of the night
Latis in desertis
In wide and empty spaces
Oritur in cælum
Rises up towards the heavens
Cantus precationis
A song of prayer
Disserit placidum
Spreads out peacefully
De urbis æternæ
About the eternal city
Per stellas fulgentes
Through the shining stars
Menso itinere
On a measured path
Ante solem
Before the dawn
Ante solem
Before the dawn
Ante solem
Before the dawn
Oritur Alleluia
Rises up with hallelujah
Contributed by Liam C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.