The Virginal

First described in 1511 by Sebastian Virdung, the typical virginal is a small harpsichord with keys at right angles to a single set of strings. When a key is pressed, a vertical rod (jack) holding a leather or quill plectrum rises and plucks the string, producing a louder tone than the clavichord but without its dynamic variety. The virginal was the favorite instrument of keyboard composers in Shakespeare's time.