The harpsichord of the Elizabethans and Jacobeans was known as the virginal. The name "virginal" does not come, as one may think, from the "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I, nor from the instrument's being "suitable for young ladies to play on." Apparently it derived it's name from the fact that it was used to accompany hymns to the Virgin Mary. Performed by Stewart Rob, many of the compositions on this album date back to the 1500s. Liner notes include song descriptions, a brief biography of harpsichordist Steward Rob and quotes the press from the album's release in 1962.