94 years old (Born on May 16, 1930)
Happy birthday, Friedrich Gulda! Wherever you are—probably jamming with Mozart himself—you've surely got the angels swinging to Beethoven's sonatas and jazzing up classical symphonies. Your legendary blend of precision and improvisation still leaves us wondering if Mozart secretly wrote a few jazzy riffs just for you.Your final encore was perfectly timed on your idol’s own birthday; talk about dedication to musical drama! Today we celebrate not only your timeless mastery but also that mischievous spirit which made every performance unforgettable. Keep rocking those heavenly keys, maestro—we'll keep applauding from down here (and trying our best not to clap between movements).