Cecilian Movement

The term refers to a Cecilianism by the early Christian martyr named Cecilia of Rome Catholic church music Restoration Movement of the 19th century. The hl. Cecilia is the patron saint of music. The Cecilianism demanded a return and orientation to be modeled after Palestrina a cappella style, for the followers of Cecilianism coined the term the ancient classical vocal polyphony. On the Protestant side gained Ludwig Schöberlein by the publication of the magazine Siona and by revising the unanimous chant to polyphonic, polyphonic a cappella pieces of great merit.

The literary, musicological and practical musical efforts in this direction from the beginning of the 19th century eventually led to the founding of the General Cäcilienverein for the countries German language by the theologians and church musician Franz Xaver Witt ( 1834-1888 ) in 1868. Due to the Breve Multum ad movendos animos by Pope Pius IX. of 16 December 1870, was an organization of pontifical right.

Today there are for Germany, Austria and Switzerland each have their own Cecilia Association. They work together as a Standing Conference of the General Cecilia automotive associations in German language.