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

During the Baroque era, the sponsorship of music shifted significantly as the rise of secular patronage began to rival that of the church. Wealthy nobles and royal courts increasingly became prominent patrons, commissioning composers to create music for entertainment and public ceremonies. This move towards secularism allowed for greater artistic expression and innovation, leading to the development of new musical forms and styles that were not strictly tied to religious themes. Consequently, the relationship between music and the church transformed, reflecting broader cultural changes of the time.