Virginal is a keyboard instrument that resembles a harpsichord. A virginal has a rectangular case, and the keyboard is on one of the longer sides. When a player presses the keys down, small pieces of quill or leather pluck the metal strings. The virginal has a light, clear, and somewhat tinkling tone.
The virginal was especially popular as a solo instrument in England during the 1500’s and early 1600’s. The English Fitzwilliam Virginal Book (about 1625) contains nearly 300 compositions and is the principal collection of music for virginals.
