The word "yavari" is a mestizo derivation of the Quechua term harawi which is used to designate sad and romantic songs, cultivated not only by Indians, but also mestizos of provincial towns, which has taken place in Peru from the second half of the eighteenth century. Originally, the pre-Hispanic Indian harawi was a polysemic, plaintive (farewell or funeral) or even celebratory (at times of harvest or completion of a roof on a house) ritual song, and was not only related to love. It was also accompanied with “tinyas” or flutes, or just pure voices, and always in Quechua. The “yaraví” mestizo however, has been sung mostly in Spanish and is linked more to the mestizo nobel culture. Lord, may our life be like a flute, simple and upright, So that you may fill it, fill it with your music. Lord, may our life be like soft clay in your hands, That you may shape it, shape it in your way. Lord, may our life be A grain thrown into the wind, So that you may plant it, plant it where you like. Centered around texts drawn from the Requiem Mass, this video series of Lenten meditations draws on music, dance, poetry and the spoken word, brought to life by the diverse liturgical arts programs of Saint Peter's Church. A series of lectionary texts and prayers appropriate to each of the meditations can be found in the Media Gallery at saintpeters.org. Director of Photography/Editor: Craig Nisperos
