Every week on Performance Today™, Bruce Adolphe re-writes a familiar tune in the style of a classical composer. We get one of our listeners on the phone, and our caller listens to Bruce play his Piano Puzzler™. They then try to do two things: name the hidden tune, and name the composer whose style B…
The Performance Today - Piano Puzzler podcast is a delightful and educational show that combines music, puzzles, and entertainment. Each episode features composer Bruce Adolphe creating a musical puzzle by disguising a well-known tune in the style of a different composer. Host Fred Child then challenges listeners to identify both the hidden tune and the composer it is mimicking. This podcast is perfect for classical music lovers looking to test their knowledge and learn more about different composers.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it introduces listeners to different composers and their unique styles. Through the piano miniatures created by Bruce Adolphe, listeners can hear the distinctive characteristics of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and many more. This not only broadens their musical repertoire but also deepens their appreciation for the diversity of classical music.
Another great aspect is how engaging and interactive the show is. Listeners can play along with each episode, trying to solve the puzzle before Fred reveals the answer. The moments of realization when you identify the hidden tune or guess the composer correctly are incredibly satisfying. Additionally, Bruce Adolphe's talent as both a composer and pianist shines through in his creations, making each episode a joy to listen to.
However, one downside to this podcast is that it can be challenging for those who are not well-versed in classical music or have limited knowledge of different composers. While there are hints provided throughout each episode, some listeners may find it difficult to fully engage with the puzzles if they are not familiar with the works of various composers.
In conclusion, The Performance Today - Piano Puzzler podcast is an exceptional show that combines music and puzzles in an entertaining and educational manner. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or someone just starting to explore this genre, this podcast offers a fun way to expand your musical knowledge while keeping you entertained. Don't miss out on this gem of a show!

Contestants: Scott Leaman and his AP Music Theory Class, calling from Tallahassee, FL

Contestant: Jim Weeg, calling from Cedar Falls, Iowa

Contestant: Libby Smith Holmes, calling from Saratoga Springs, NY

Contestant: David Harris, calling from Farmer City, Illinois

Contestant: Jonathan Jager from Los Angeles, CA

Contestant: Andrew Conkling, calling from Kalamazoo, Michigan

Contestant: Belinda Sterling, calling from Twin Lake, Michigan

Contestant: Brian Hunke, calling from Richmond, Virginia

Contestant: Anne Nelson, calling from Portland, Maine

Contestant: Chuck Romportl calling from Hopkins, MN

Contestant: Rachel Hahn calling from Owasso, Oklahoma

Contestants: Isabella & Francesca Dawis calling from Minneapolis, Minnesota

Contestants: Lyle and Donna Jaffe calling from Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Contestant: Benjamin Keating calling from Monticello, Illinois

Contestant: Lloyd Altman calling from New York, New York

Contestant: Chris Freitag calling from New York, NY

Contestants: Julie Blim and Susan Walker calling from Virginia Beach, VA

Contestant: Riley McManus calling from New York, NY

Contestant: Jane Johnson calling from Indianapolis, Indiana

Contestant: Rivkah Meder calling from Richmond, Virginia

Contestant: Ann Kirschner calling from Brooklyn, New York

Contestants: Tara Rozanski & Kobi Davidson calling from Collingswood, New Jersey

Contestants: Janice and Joe Codispoti calling from Centerville, Ohio

Contestant: David Barnert calling from Albany, New York

Contestant: Eli Robbins calling from Peachtree City, GA

Contestant: David Lai (PT Young Artist in Residence)

Contestant: Charles Schlotter calling from Bradenton, Florida

Contestant: Cindy Spangler calling from St. Paul, Minnesota

Contestant: Rodger Reynolds, calling from Ashland, Virginia

Contestant: Kristen Zoetewey, calling from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Contestants: Janie and Andrew Wittenberg calling from Cincinnati, OH

Contestant: Finn Mikeal calling from Euless, Texas

Contestant: Stephen Farrand calling from Freeport, Maine

Contestant: Jack Schroeder calling from Pasadena, California

Contestant: Joanna Zeleznik calling from Salt Point, New York

Contestant: Shawn Weil calling from Melrose, Massachusetts

Brian Coyne calling from Mt. Vernon, Washington

Contestants: Olivia & Ben Lawson calling from Yorktown, Virginia

Contestant: Diane Lusk calling from Southport, North Carolina

Contestant: Claire Nalven calling from Waltham, Massachusetts

Contestant: Deborah Conquest calling from Pittsford, New York

Contestant: Kate Kreger calling from Geneseo, New York