Jan Antonín Losy

Known as Johann Anton Graf Losy von Losinthal, also Logi of Losymthal or Losynthal or Jan Antonín Logy z Lozimtál, was a Czech composer and lute player of Swiss origin. Born between 1643 and 1645 at Schloss Streken near Strakonitz / Bohemia (today the Czech Republic), he died at Prague September 3, 1721 Count of Losinthal (German: Johann Anton Losy von Losinthal); also known as Comte d'Logy (Losi or Lozi), was a Bohemian aristocrat, Baroque lute player and composer from Prague. His lute works combine the French style brisé with a more Italian cantabile style. He was probably the most significant lutenist-composer in Bohemia at the height of the lute's popularity there. Logi's father - the ancestors came from Switzerland - was imperial chamberlain and secret council and was elevated to the rank of a count because of his merits as "inspector of the wine tax, and the beer and salt gradient" in Bohemia. His son took over the offices and inherited a large fortune, which enabled him to do extensive travels to Italy and France. Logi was a great admirer of J. B. Lully. He mainly composed lute and guitar works in a dignified melody, initially in the "French style", which he imported to Prague and developed into the so-called "mixed taste" of the "German style".