pair of virginals
Noun: A pair of virginals is a specific type of harpsichord, a keyboard instrument popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is characterized by its rectangular, legless case. The strings run parallel to the keyboard, and the instrument was typically placed on a table for playing. It was commonly, though not exclusively, played by women during its period of use.
The term is used as a singular noun to refer to the instrument itself. * In historical or musical contexts: "The museum's collection features a beautifully restored pair of virginals from 1580." * Describing its use: "She practiced on the pair of virginals every afternoon."
- The painting depicts a young woman seated at a pair of virginals.
- Unlike a grand harpsichord, a pair of virginals has a more compact, box-like shape.
- Music composed for a pair of virginals has a distinctive, delicate sound.
- The name "pair of virginals" is somewhat misleading, as it refers to a single instrument. The origin of the term "pair" is uncertain but may relate to the instrument often having its keyboard and jacks (the plucking mechanism) in pairs or to its common use for duets.
- It is a key instrument in the performance of early English keyboard music, such as that by William Byrd and John Bull.
- Virginals (noun): Often used as a shorter, synonymous term for "a pair of virginals." Example: "He is an expert in restoring virginals."
- Harpsichord (noun): The broader family of keyboard instruments where the strings are plucked. A pair of virginals is a type of harpsichord.
- Spinet (noun): Another small, domestic harpsichord with a similar shape, but with the strings set at an angle to the keyboard.
- Virginals
- Harpsichord (in a general sense, though not all harpsichords are virginals)
This term has only one primary meaning: it refers specifically to the historical musical instrument described. It is not used in modern contexts or with figurative meanings.
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a legless rectangular harpsichord; played (usually by women) in the 16th and 17th centuries
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