The term "pair of virginals" refers to a musical instrument popular in the Renaissance period. It is pronounced as /pɛər əv ˈvɜːdʒɪnəlz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of this word is unique because it uses the plural form of "virginal" to indicate that the instrument comes in a set of two. The word "virginal" itself comes from the Latin word "virginalis," meaning "pertaining to a maiden." The instrument is similar to a harpsichord and is played by plucking strings with quills.
A pair of virginals refers to a specific type of musical instrument that gained popularity during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Virginals are essentially a type of keyboard instrument, similar to a harpsichord or a piano, that produce sound by plucking the strings with small quills rather than hammers. The term "pair" indicates that the instrument consists of two separate keyboards placed side by side within a single case.
The virginals have a rectangular wooden case, typically made of oak or walnut, with the keyboards situated above the strings. Each keyboard is mounted with a set of jacks, with each jack having a small quill attached to it. When a player presses a key, the quill plucks the corresponding string, producing sound.
The pair of virginals is often played by a single performer who can play both keyboards simultaneously, using both hands to create complex and harmonically rich melodies. The keyboards can be played individually as well, enabling the player to produce chordal accompaniments or two independent musical lines.
Pair of virginals were particularly popular in Europe during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and were often found in private households or chambers where music was played for entertainment. They were considered an important instrument for keyboard music and were widely used by both amateur and professional musicians of the time.
In summary, a pair of virginals is a type of keyboard instrument consisting of two keyboards placed side by side within a single case, which allows a player to produce complex and harmonically rich music.