VIRGINALS Meaning and
Definition
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Virginals refers to a type of early keyboard instrument that gained popularity during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is similar in construction and design to a harpsichord but smaller in size and with a distinct sound.
The name "virginals" is derived from the Latin word "virga," meaning "a small rod" or "a wand," which refers to the wooden jacks that are used to pluck the strings of the instrument. The instrument typically consists of a rectangular or trapezoidal-shaped case that houses a set of strings stretched across a wooden soundboard. The strings are plucked by quills or plectra attached to the jacks. The keys are arranged in a single row, externally resembling a harpsichord, and provide the player with the ability to select and play notes.
Due to its smaller size, the virginals produced a softer and more delicate sound compared to the larger and more resonant harpsichords. It was often favored by amateur musicians and for domestic use, as it could be easily transported and played in smaller spaces.
Virginals were commonly used for solo performances of keyboard music and were associated with various forms of Renaissance and early Baroque music. They became less popular as the larger and more versatile harpsichord gained prominence, but they remain a significant part of historical keyboard instrument collections and specialized performances of early music.
Common Misspellings for VIRGINALS
Etymology of VIRGINALS
The word "virginals" is derived from the Latin word "virginalis", which means "pertaining to a virgin". In medieval times, the name was given to a small, portable keyboard instrument resembling a harpsichord. It is believed that the name was chosen due to the purity and clarity of its sound, which was associated with the virtue of a maiden or virgin. Over time, the term "virginal" came to specifically refer to a type of harpsichord that was rectangular and wing-shaped.
Similar spelling words for VIRGINALS
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