Anthony de Countie facts for kids

Anthony de Countie, also known as Anthony Conti, was a talented musician from the 1500s. He was a composer and a lutenist, which means he played the lute. The lute was a popular string instrument, a bit like a guitar. Anthony de Countie worked for the English royal family, the Tudors, and was one of the most important lute players during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

Where Did Anthony de Countie Come From?

Historians believe Anthony de Countie might have been from Italy. This is because his wife, Lucretia, was Italian. He also lived with another Italian person, Francis Jetto, for several years.

Anthony de Countie's Music Career

Anthony de Countie worked as a lutenist for the English royal court from 1550 until he died in 1579. He was the "royal lutenist" for three different rulers from the Tudor family: King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.

During the 1560s and 1570s, Queen Elizabeth's court had many musicians. But Anthony de Countie was the only one specifically known as a lutenist. He was also sometimes listed as playing the virginals, which was a type of keyboard instrument.

When Anthony de Countie passed away in 1579, another musician named John Johnson took his place as the "royal lutenist."

Anthony de Countie's Musical Works

Sadly, no music that was definitely written by Anthony de Countie has survived to this day.