Sacred music of the Cistercians

The sacred music of the Cistercians, a Roman Catholic monastic order founded in the 12th century, is characterized by its monastic simplicity and contemplative focus. It primarily involves Gregorian chant, a form of plainchant, which features unaccompanied, flowing melodies sung in Latin to support prayer and reflection. The music emphasizes purity, humility, and a meditative atmosphere, fostering a sense of spiritual unity and devotion among monks. This minimalistic style avoids elaborate ornamentation, aligning with the Cistercian values of austerity and asceticism, and aims to elevate the soul toward divine contemplation.