When did classical music get famous?

Classical Music wasn't as you know it today. Today we have multiple genres spanning the entire music scene of the world. Several centuries ago Classical music was simply music. There was no disparity between what was classical and what was not. Nearly everything of the time was classical therefore it became popular from its inception. In terms of instrumental classical music, that took off at the demise of the Baroque Period and beginning of the Classical period. Rising middle-class wages allowed for a wider range of audience in virtuoso performances and public orchestras. Music was a sign of prestige and therefore those who could not perform at least attended. It was one of the primary sources of entertainment besides plays. Popularity for classical music has dwindled since the 19th century. And there is little hope it will be revived through the few neo-classical artists remaining.