This is a very long set of 44 variations on the Conde Claros formula. It demonstrates Valderrábano’s ingenuity in several ways; through his clever counterpoint, but also through his ability to shape the piece in a way that is different from the typical growth model of variations pieces. The piece is in many ways quite beguiling.

A duet version was published by Phalèse, Hortus Musarum [1552/11, p. 102, nº 100] combining this version with Valderrábano’s following setting (va168), specifying that the second lute should be a fourth higher, therefore obviating the need to transpose either of the Valderrábano settings. The duet finishes on the first note of the 24th variation.

Information on the original romance and its text is in Binkley Spanish Romances (with English translation), 120-30
• “Conde Claros” (Don Claros de Montalbán) was the protagonist of a popular Carolingian romance. See diaz1978