The earliest Cistercians strove for authenticity in al things, not least in liturgy. As their contribution to the ninth centenary celebration of the founding of Citeaux, cantors from eleven American monasteries of both Cistercian Observances ('Trappists' and 'Cistercians') 'monks and nuns 'rehearsed and sang together chants from the Mass and Office of the Founders. These selections, alternating with meditative organ works, illustrate both the richness and the simplicity of cistercian chant. The choir ends with the antiphon most closely associated with Cistercians, the solemn Salve Regina.
