What did everybody think of the first four competitors? I didn't get to hear the first lady, but I'd have to say that the first guy (the one from italy) was the weakest. Granted, the sound was out during a good portion of his Bach piece, but his Stravinksy in particular wasn't as strong as other performances I've heard of it. Especially in the last movement, it seemed like the energy and tempo in the piece jumped around and I've always felt that that movement is meant only to gain momentum, excitement, and energy (not necessarily speeding up, mind you) as it gets closer to the end, not to lose it.
Overall, I was very impressed with all of their playing though. And thier facial features and gestures were quite amusing to watch.