Also known as the yaraví, this is a musical style whose melodies are redolent with sadness and longing. The harawi is believed to be the oldest musical style in Peru's repertoire, and dates from the form of poetry recited in the Inca era. The somewhat drowsy music is interrupted by frequent periods of silence that lend a dramatic air to the piece.
This rhythm is generally not danced, unless it is tacked onto a huayno or marinera, which often occurs in some of its mestizo variations. Backing instruments include the charango, mandolin and quena.
