Italian stringed keyboard instruments and simple geometry:  Some new developments at the Russell Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments

 

Grant O’Brien

Outline of this article - click on the chapters below in order to read this article:

Introduction

 

The polygonal virginal by Alexander Bertoloti, 1586

 

The rectangular enharmonic virginal attributed to Francesco Poggio, Florence, c.1600

 

The octave spinet by Petrus Orlandus, 1710

 

The single-manual harpsichord, undated and formerly thought to be Florentine in origin

 

The triple-manual harpsichord signed by Stefano Bolcioni, Florence, 1627

 

Conclusions

 

Table 4 - The length of the oncia, soldo or pollice in the Italian peninsula arranged according to the length of the unit

 

Table 5 - The length of the oncia, soldo or pollice in the Italian peninsula arranged according to location

 

 

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