Virginal

The outer shape of the virginal , a space-saving variant of the harpsichord is , in principle elongated rectangular. In variants , especially in Italy , but one or both rear corners have been cut at an angle from the rectangular shape often , so that there are polygonal floor plans . Unlike the harpsichord , in which they run strings as in today's wings in prolongation of key direction , they are arranged perpendicular to the direction keys when Virginal . The Anzupfmechanik the Virginal corresponds to the harpsichord . Depending on the design and country of origin of the sound of the Virginal , although different in character but always excellent fundamentals sonorous

Painted wood spinet, known as 'The Queen Elizabeth Virginal', probably by Giovanni Baffo, Venice, Italy, about 1594, with restoration in 1961 © V&A Images, Victoria and Albert Museum

The earliest description of a virginal appears in Paul Pauli Rinus in its 1459-1463 written in Pilsen treatise Liber viginti Artium , the first images found in Italian representations of the early 16th century . And in getutscht Sebastian Virdung Musica ( 1511) .

The oldest surviving Virginal dates of 1523 and was designed by Francesco de Portalupi from Verona

" Francisci de Portalupis Veronensis " built .

Virginal were built early in northern Europe , particularly in the Netherlands and England . And this tradition lasted until the mid-18th century .

Text : Copyright © Andreas Beurmann