Beethoven's Nobility Pretense Shattered in 1818

How was Beethoven's nobility pretense shattered in 1818?

a) Beethoven's noble title was revealed to be fabricated by the Viennese aristocracy.

b) Beethoven was caught in a scandal involving a royal family member.

c) Beethoven's claim to nobility was exposed as fraudulent by a genealogical investigation.

d) Beethoven renounced his noble status in 1818.

Final Answer:

Beethoven's claim to nobility was debunked in 1818 by a genealogical investigation, revealing his pretense to be fraudulent.

Explanation:

Based on the information given in the question, we can conclude that the shattering of Beethoven's pretense of nobility in 1818 was caused by option c: Beethoven's claim to nobility was exposed as fraudulent by a genealogical investigation. It's important to note that nobility titles were deeply coveted in Beethoven's time, with fierce competition between noble families even influencing the election of emperors. However, the assertion of nobility without a legitimate claim, as Beethoven attempted, would have resulted in serious social stigma and discredit.

It's worth noting that Beethoven had always been sensitive about his background and social status, and he often exaggerated or invented aspects of his life to improve his reputation and gain acceptance among the aristocracy. However, his claims of nobility were ultimately found to be baseless, and this exposure had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.