Parthenia

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Parthenia (Gk. ‘Maidenhood’). Title of 1st book of kbd. mus. printed in Eng. 1611 containing 21 pieces by Byrd, Bull, and Gibbons—‘Parthenia, or the Maidenhead of the first music that ever was printed for the virginals.’ Reprinted 1613 and several other times in 17th cent. Reprints 1847, in facsimile by O. E. Deutsch, 1943, and edn. by Thurston Dart, 1961. A companion work, Parthenia inviolata (pun on ‘Inviolated’ and ‘set for the viol’) was pubd. shortly after Parthenia containing 20 anon. pieces for virginals and bass viol. Only known copy in NY Public Library.