Caecilia: algemeen muzikaal tijdschrift voor Nederland was the preeminent platform for Dutch musical life in the nineteenth century. Although the periodical has been a valuable source in studies on specific institutions and composer receptions, Dutch musical journalism as such still requires a more systematic investigation. This study is intended as a preliminary exploration by focusing on a set of polemics that occurred in the magazine between 1871 and 1877. First, it explores aspects of 'contested taste' in Caecilia, such as the attribution of a canonical status to 'classical' music and the formulation of a separation between serious and light music. Second, by connecting these aspects to editorial policies, critical styles and claims of authority, this article attempts to improve our understanding of the history of musical journalism and the shaping of taste in the Netherlands.