Before the Baroque era church was an important sponsor of music. During this changed with rise of?

Before the Baroque era, the church was an important sponsor of music. This was due to several factors, including:

* The church's need for music for its religious ceremonies.

* The church's wealth and power, which allowed it to commission and support musical works.

* The church's role as a centre of learning and culture.

During the Baroque era, there was a shift in the way that music was supported. This was due to several factors, including:

* The rise of the merchant class, which began to commission and support musical works.

* The development of new forms of musical entertainment, such as opera and theatre music.

* The secularisation of society, which led to a decrease in the church's influence.

As a result of these factors, the church began to play a less important role in the sponsorship of music during the Baroque era.