Question

in a time without film or television or recorded music, live performances provided the only opportunity for people to hear and appreciate music. what we now call \classical\ music was an art form that was enormously important in lives of the privileged and unfortunate alike, and composers like beethoven often were seen as little less than gods. newspapers wrote obsessively about musicians and composers, and huge crowds gathered outside concert halls when a new work was being performed.
from russell martin and lydia nibley, the mysteries of beethovens hair. copyright 2009 by russell martin and lydia nibley
what is the effect of the hyperbole on the passages meaning or tone?
it implies that composers were controlling.
it implies that composers were held in high regard.

Explanation:

A hyperbole is an exaggeration used for effect. The phrase "composers like Beethoven often were seen as little less than gods" is a hyperbole. Comparing composers to gods (even slightly less) exaggerates their status, showing they were highly respected/held in high regard, not implying they were controlling.

Answer:

It implies that composers were held in high regard.