Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/4/2006

Question
Hi. I'm doing a school research project on how technology has influenced music.  First I was wondering if you know anything about virginals, an old instrument that resembles a harpischord, or more currently a piano.  I want to explain why virginals are not found anymore due to advancements in technology.  Do you think you would be able to help me out with this?  Your opinion, statistics, or any information would be a great help.  If not do you know someone I could talk to? I would really appreciate it.

Emily Taylor

Answer
I don't know any specifics about virginals nor their construction, my area is brass instruments.  But, I have to say that in large measure, musicians a a conservative lot.  They don't seem to like change much.  After all, the new instruments on the block are valved brass and saxohpones which are both about 150 years old.

I think that technology is most seen in the methods used by makers to produce instruments.  In other words fabrication techniques improve the efficiency by which the instruments can be created.

More instrument fall out of favor not because of some technological change but rather because another instrument does what they do better.  

I think the last instrument that was killed by technology may be the keyed bugle, which was surpassed by the valved cornet.

Even then it was borrowed technology that was first employed in another venue - valves came from mining operations.

I would have to say that instruments are a good example of a product that has shown itself to be remarkably resistant to technology.

kms