Let's make this birthday one to remember.

89 years old (Born on July 29, 1935)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Pietro Spada—master musician, daring musicologist, and fearless champion of composers so obscure even Google scratches its head! Your technical wizardry at the piano keys continues to astonish us all; rumor has it that Liszt himself would blush at your saucy renditions.

This past year you've dazzled audiences yet again with performances that unearthed hidden gems from forgotten maestros. May your birthday be filled with as much joy and applause as you bring into concert halls worldwide. Here's hoping this next trip around the sun brings more standing ovations—and fewer puzzled looks when mentioning composer names!