The Romance Anonimo ("Anonymous Romance") is one of the most popular pieces in the classical guitar repertoire. Also known as Spanish Romance, Romance de Amor, Jeux interdits and Estudio de Rubira, this 19th century work has continually delighted lovers of the instrument around the world and has become a standard part of guitar pedagogy. In this Mel Bay publication guitarist/composer Rico Stover offers his original composition Romance Variations in a 25 page score of the work with accompanying audio. Different "flavors" of guitar styles are heard in these variations which are inspired by guitarists/composers whom Rico admires: Mateo Carcassi, Joe Pass, Heitor Villalobos, Luiz Bonfa, Chet Atkins and Atahualpa Yupanqui. After a short introduction, the Romance theme is heard, after which the variations commence. Each variation follows the minor/major pattern: Variation 1: Arpegiado - classical arpeggios Variation 2: Bordoneo - bass line textures Variation 3: Villalobosiana - in the style of the master Variation 4: Bossa nova - Brazilian syncopations Variation 5: Chet's Pick - country style fingerpicking Variation 6: Aire de Danza - Latin American dance rhythms The essay "Romance Anonimo: Who Composed It?" explores the different theories regarding the question of authorship, including an analysis of seven different editions of the Romance that date from 1900 to 1958.

Romance Anónimo

Arpegiado

Bordoneo

Villa-Lobosiana

Bossanova

Chet’s Pick

Aire de Danza

Who Composed the Romance Anónimo?

Romance Anónimo music examples/analysis

“Estudio” edition circa  1900