The notes of ‘What We Lost II’ sweep into the room like the lingering wisps of grief. Crafted by prolific New Zealand-born composer Hanan Townshend, best known for his work on Terrence Malick films, there is a wonderfully impressionistic touch to this piece. Townshend moves away from his usual orchestral splendour here to an evocative instrumental song that captures loss and sorrow.
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The Sound
The sonic atmosphere of ‘What We Lost II’ is defined by its minimalistic arrangement. It gently wafts its way into your ears with felted piano chords and subtle strings. You can even hear the mechanical sounds of the piano keys being pressed and the “hiss” of the recording. This adds an intimate quality to the piece, as if you’re sitting next to Townshend on the piano bench. This is further emphasised by the subdued violin strings and the lack of a traditional groove, allowing each note to hang in the air before fading away – almost as if it is giving us space to process the sadness. Townshend also treats the gaps between the notes, the silence, as an instrument to create a fragile texture that feels vast and private at once.
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The Soul
Townshend’s crafts his arrangement on ‘What We Lost II’ is in a way to represent the non-linear nature of grief. The piano feels like the ‘pulse’ of the track, and it stays steady while the violin strings drift in and out with varying intensity. The strings, the emotional driver of the composition, imitate how grief can appear to be quiet yet persistent, but also explosive and sudden. This is further evident in the instrumental’s climax, when the violin crescendos like a wave and washes away, offering a poignant release of unbidden emotions. Townshend never makes it feel sentimental, merely honest.
As the strings fade, the piano’s “heartbeat” feels like a steady hand on the shoulder. ‘What We Lost II’ does not just describe the nature of grief; it sits with you through its various phases.
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