And there was an explosion of talent in an even larger dimension than in the first stage!  It was – in my opinion – a real knockout.  It will be hard to find a better candidate for the highest prize.  The competition is still going on, before us the finale, which will shed additional light on the star of this phenomenal violinist, but the situation seems to be very clear.  The difference of class, skill, this flash, this gift from God or nature – is striking both in the ears and in the eyes, because it can also be seen.  Here comes a young, 18-year-old violinist who, like a sleeve, without the slightest shadow of effort, throws out the shiny cascades of the most difficult sounds.  In addition, he plays with such a beautiful tone, so charming, and with all this I see in his attitude a wonderful, rare modesty.  There is no desire to show off: what I will show you now, and there is a serious approach that gives us great joy, and most likely – to him – satisfaction.  He is a fantastically focused musician.  He wins all, even the tiniest notes, up to one – e.g. in the first or third part of the Beethoven Sonata.  In the second it is modest, it doesn’t stand out for a moment.  He was sobbing too, but more natural.  The last link played subtle, precise and thrilling.  It was a revelation.  He was probably the first to approach Lipiński lightly, cheerfully, confidently and without even the slightest hesitation.  Short and effective articulation and delighted here.  What executive momentum and brilliance of virtuosity!  Finally, it was the long-awaited one, a great whole.  In my opinion it was the best performance of Polonez Lipiński at the Competition.  And that’s not all, where there is to the end: first Debussy – in the pastel colors of both performers, with dazzling moments, the subtlest ones.  How many beautiful timbre colors were there, how much finesse in terms of this music, and the playing technique in the last part – absolutely extraordinary.  Such a talent at this age!  At the end he chose his probably spectacular number, which may not have worked out as effectively as intended, the pianist did not help him properly, but also showed in this opus the 28th range of his outstanding skills.  I was impressed with wide, wonderfully conducted singing phrases and tiny, virtuoso figures, which here too spilled out like from a cornucopia.  The term and finale, this German-Spanish-Malaysian violinist – played simply sensational!