Italian Harpsichord-Building in the 16th and 17th Centuries

The study surveys Italian harpsichord and virginal construction in the 16th and 17th centuries, contrasting the simpler Italian models with northern European innovations such as second manuals and additional stops. It offers detailed descriptions and measurements of representative instruments, notably a polygonal virginal from the Hugo Worch collection, outlining outer case, soundboard, lining, ribs, bridges, jacks, and keyboard mechanics. Terminology and form distinctions, including the use of polygonal versus rectangular virginals and the definition of spinets, are clarified. Measurement-based analysis of 33 museum instruments addresses stringing, tuning, short-octave compass, and variations in vibrating string lengths, and the paper notes the enduring tonal character of Italian instruments.