You seem to be the resident expert on the episode "Etude in Black", so this question is for you. There is a scene where Columbo is on the stage poking out a tune on the piano..what was the tune? I love that episode, because to me it was obvious that they used Leonard Bernstein as a model for the character of Alex Benedict.

I can answer that for you - it's called "Chopsticks"

well as frank has already pointed out..it was chopsticks..great frank.
donna, i think your remark about leonard berstein is amazing! i really do. i talk so much about this episode and i ramble on sometimes, so i didn't really want to bring up this aspect....but....
jc was such a fan of leonard bernstein and he lived a similar lifestyle. in jc's last appearing role on film..."love streams"..his character portrayed the model of bernstein's life...it was so amazing.

Actually, Alex Benedict himself says it is
"Chopsticks" and he claims he hadn't heard
it since he was a child which is hard to believe.

Excellent point on the Bernstein/Benedict connection. If you look at various pics of Bernstein during rehearsals and notice how Cass looks dischevelled at times, it's almost a match in appearance.

very very true frank. i've seen individual pictures of the 2 of them where i could hardly tell who was who.

When sneaking out of the Hollywood Bowl, JC passes the marquee, announcing a "Young Folks Concert", or some such. Bernstein hosted several broadcast "Young People's Concerts".

Joe