HANAU, Germany — OK, the setting may not have been as captivating as the old Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria, but the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart still resonates, no matter where or when it’s played.

“When you listen to it, you feel free,” said Fallon Dobrisky, 10, a fourth-grader at Argonner Elementary School in Hanau. “It’s just like you’re flying.”

On the eve of Mozart’s 250th birthday, Fallon and nearly 400 other pupils attended a school tribute to the Austrian composer, regarded as one of the greatest musical minds of all time.

In addition to piano performances by fourth-graders Kaitlyn Biddulph and Esther Tran, the children were treated to a special appearance by Mozart himself. Actually, it was David Puckett, a speech teacher, in wig and 18th-century attire. He was joined in costume by teacher Tanya Chambers, who played Mozart’s sister, Nannerl.

“Though tastes may differ, music lovers must admit that Mozart’s music has become quite a hit,” Chambers said as she fanned herself on stage.

“I’ve even heard tell, it helps students think — and makes cows give more milk, for children to drink.”

She and Puckett anchored the 35-minute program from atop the stage in the school’s multipurpose room. Between the teachers’ whimsical and rhyming banter, several of Mozart’s pieces were played for the benefit of the children, who sat on the floor and listened as intently as they could, given it was the end of the school day.

“Mozart was a composer,” 11-year-old John Shelton said afterward. “He wrote about 40 symphonies and operas. He composed great music.”

The legendary composer’s 250th birthday is being recognized Friday the world over, and some observances, such as those in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria, run the entire year.

Thanks to words penned by teacher Gisela Olbrich, the Argonner pupils ended Thursday’s tribute with a special ode to Mozart.

“His life was but a fleeting one; he died at thirty-five,” the pupils sang as they neared the finale. “But the beauty of his music will forever stay alive.”