Shallow (A Star Is Born) – Karolina Protsenko (Violin Cover) – Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
There are songs that echo far beyond their melodies, weaving themselves into the emotional core of anyone who listens. Shallow, from the 2018 film A Star Is Born, is one such piece. Written and performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, the song became an anthem of vulnerability, love, and the search for something deeper in life. But when performed as an instrumental cover by young violinist Karolina Protsenko, Shallow takes on an entirely new dimension—one that strips the song of its lyrics, yet retains every ounce of its emotional depth.
The Magic of the Original – A Brief Reflection
Before exploring Karolina’s version, it’s important to understand the emotional fabric of Shallow. In the film, it represents a turning point—both musically and relationally—for the characters. It’s raw and revealing, a song about the desire to escape superficiality and dive into something more meaningful.
With lyrics like “I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in,” the song captures both fear and freedom. The powerful duet format between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper showcases two voices finding harmony through their differences. It’s no surprise the song won an Academy Award, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe.
Karolina’s Interpretation – Emotions Without Words
In Karolina Protsenko’s violin cover, Shallow becomes something even more haunting. Without lyrics, she uses her bow to sing the story—phrasing each note to match the inflection of the original vocal lines. The violin becomes the voice, and Karolina becomes the storyteller.
From the very first notes, there is an undeniable tenderness in her playing. She begins gently, just as the original does, evoking the quiet loneliness of Bradley Cooper’s character. Then, as the song swells into its passionate chorus, Karolina mirrors Lady Gaga’s vocal explosion with powerful bow strokes and dynamic intensity.
Despite her young age, Karolina performs with remarkable emotional maturity. She doesn’t just play the notes; she feels them. Every phrase, every crescendo, every pause is delivered with purpose. Her eyes often close as she plays, suggesting complete immersion in the moment.
Street Performance with Studio Quality
Karolina is known for her street performances, particularly in Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. With only a speaker, her violin, and a smile, she transforms ordinary public spaces into stages of wonder. In her rendition of Shallow, she turns the noise of the world into a silent backdrop to her soulful performance.
What’s remarkable is how the environment adds to the impact. People pause mid-conversation, mesmerized by the sound. Children draw near, swaying to the melody. Parents record videos while others simply listen, spellbound. It’s as if time stops, and for a few minutes, a busy street becomes a shared emotional experience.
The raw setting adds authenticity to the performance. There’s no auto-tune, no glamorous lighting—only raw talent and passion. And that’s what makes Karolina’s version so special.
Technique Meets Heart
Technically, Karolina’s violin cover of Shallow is impressive. The song demands a wide dynamic range, expressive phrasing, and emotional nuance. Karolina delivers on all fronts.
She uses vibrato to add depth to the long, sustained notes, especially during the chorus. Her control over tempo—slowing down in the emotional peaks, then picking up as the music builds—adds dramatic flair. She captures the conversational quality of the original duet with subtle phrasing shifts, as if responding to herself.
She also makes excellent use of dynamics—playing softly in the verses to draw listeners in, then unleashing powerful volume and bow speed in the climax. The contrast keeps the audience emotionally engaged and mirrors the cinematic storytelling of the original.
A Personal Connection to the Song
Though Karolina doesn’t sing, her violin often feels like an extension of her voice. She has spoken in interviews about her love for emotional and meaningful songs, and Shallow is a perfect match for her expressive style. It speaks to universal themes: wanting to be seen, feeling overwhelmed by the noise of life, longing for deeper connection.
Even at a young age, Karolina seems to grasp the depth of this message. Her face reflects the journey the song takes her on. You see moments of tension, joy, release—all communicated through subtle facial expressions and body movement.
Audience Reactions – Proof of Impact
One of the most compelling parts of Karolina’s street performances is the real-time feedback. Viewers are not just watching a performance—they’re part of it. Some are moved to tears. Others hold hands or share a quiet moment with a loved one while she plays.
Online, the reaction is equally powerful. Her performance of Shallow has drawn millions of views, with comments from people around the world. Many write about how her music helped them through difficult times, or how it reminded them of something they had forgotten: the simple power of a melody to heal and connect.
Why This Cover Matters
In an age of digital noise and overstimulation, Karolina’s violin cover of Shallow is a reminder of the beauty in simplicity. No elaborate stage setup. No vocal theatrics. Just a violin, a sidewalk, and a melody. And yet, it stirs the soul.
Her performance shows that music doesn’t need words to speak volumes. That a song can be reborn through a new instrument. That a 15-year-old girl with a violin can interpret the emotional struggles of adult love with astonishing depth.
It’s also a testament to the universal language of music. Whether you’re familiar with the original song or hearing it for the first time, Karolina’s performance pulls you in. It makes you feel something. And that, ultimately, is what great music is all about.
Conclusion – Off the Deep End, Into the Heart
Karolina Protsenko’s violin cover of Shallow is more than a tribute to a popular song—it’s a reimagining that reveals new emotional layers. Through her passionate playing, she invites us to dive off the deep end with her, into the raw, tender, and beautiful essence of the song.
Whether you’ve seen A Star Is Born or not, hearing Karolina play Shallow will leave an impression. It’s a performance that stays with you—not just for its beauty, but for its honesty. She doesn’t just perform music. She lives it.
And in a world that often feels too shallow, Karolina’s violin reminds us there is still great depth to be found in a simple melody, played from the heart.
Don’t miss out on her latest stunning performance—watch the full video below and experience the magic for yourself! 👇👇