Virginals

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A form of keyboard instrument popular in the Renaissance, consisting of a wooden case and strings, played by plucking rather than striking the keys | Referring to a type of early keyboard that uses strings and can be noted for its delicate sound, typically associated with the music of the Baroque era | Instruments characterized by their use of a keyboard and the method of sound production via plucking, notable in historical music contexts
2. A type of early keyboard instrument featuring strings that produce sound by being plucked rather than struck, often associated with Renaissance and early Baroque music
3. This historic keyboard, characterized by its gentle strings and unique playing technique, emerged during the Renaissance and influenced later musical styles

Etymology: The term "virginals" traces back to the Renaissance period and is closely tied to the world of early keyboard instruments. The virginals is a type of harpsichord, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and was especially favored in England and the Low Countries. Its name likely relates to the word "virgin," but not in the sense of purity or chastity as one might initially assume. Instead, the connection is believed to stem from a more symbolic or poetic association. One common theory suggests that the name was inspired by the instrument’s delicate and pure tone, which was thought to embody a certain innocence or freshness. Another idea is that the virginals were often played by young women or girls learning music, hence the connection to "virgin" as a metaphor for youth or inexperience. The first known English use of the word dates to the late 16th century, appearing in descriptions of musical instruments in inventories and musical treatises. Linguistically, the word comes from the plural form of "virginal," which is derived from the Latin root "virgo," meaning maiden or virgin. The suffix "-al" here helps form a noun that designates an object related to the root concept. Over time, the meaning narrowed specifically to this keyboard instrument, distinguishing it from other stringed keyboard instruments like the harpsichord or clavichord. The virginals itself is somewhat smaller and simpler than a harpsichord, often rectangular in shape, with strings running parallel to the keyboard. Its design made it accessible for domestic use, particularly in homes of the middle and upper classes, where music education for young women was part of their cultural upbringing. While the original connection to "virgin" may seem obscure today, the term has remained stable in musical terminology, preserving a glimpse of how cultural values and social practices influenced the naming of musical instruments centuries ago.

Synonyms: musical instruments, keyboard instruments