Prinzipal

Prinzipal (Ger.) [Lat. vox principalis], until approximately the end of the 15th c. Prinzipal denoted: a) the row(s) of principal pipes in an organ; b) the combined Prinzipal and Hintersatz. In the latter sense it was also known as Chorstimme, Flötenwerk. In the early 16th c. the Prinzipal in the pedal was at 16′ pitch, that of the manual at 8′, and that of the Positiv at 4′ pitch. Ger. Prinzipals have historically had a narrower scale than other principals. See also: principal (133)…