By Will Hite
First performed by Audrey Hepburn on an acoustic guitar in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Henry Mancini’s ‘Moon River’ helped the film become a timeless classic about love. While many singers would cover the song, as its themes of being “…after the same rainbow’s end” still ring true, the musical score Mancini composed evokes equally as much colorfully romantic imagery. Esther Roestan, a student at Bard College and Conservatory, performs a solo rendition on the violin of Moon River (now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel) and displays with each eloquent stroke of her bow how the notes of the song echo mellifluously throughout eternity in the ears and hearts of its listeners.
Roestan organizes four different videos of herself playing four different sections of the song. By choosing this strategy, Roestan does not let a single pitch dominate the sound but rather creates a unique harmonious melody combining all four sections. It would be regrettable not to mention the precision of Roestan’s musical timing, considering how imperative that is to both the song and the video editing. Roestan’s performance does not include a single lyric of the song. However, she says everything and even more with her violin and the four separate panels. Furthermore, I believe this presentation, aside from its technical efficiency, just happens to be artistically brilliant.
Esther Roestan has a bright career ahead of her as this short video demonstrates. I would rate this video ⅘, with my only critique being my own desire to see more of Roestan’s own personal style. I believe anyone who has the privilege to access this performance should watch it not only to witness her talent but also to feel the timelessness of ‘Moon River’ in 2021.
Will Hite is a senior at Connecticut College pursuing a degree in theater and film studies. His area of focus includes playwriting and screenwriting, acting, directing, video editing, and dramaturgy. Will has been an avid member of the student run theater scene at his college, helping organize play readings for Wig and Candle as well as founding a playwriting club called Crooked Curtains Theater.
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