The baroque era was the first period in which instrumental music was finally of equal importance with vocal music

Yes, The Baroque era indeed was the first period in which instrumental music became as important as the vocal music. The period of Baroque music runs from 1600 to 1750, approximately. The meaning of baroque comes from the Portuguese word "barroco", which later was applied to architecture.

Baroque era followed The Renaissance era and was an important part of classical music. Among the famous composers of those times, we found George Frideric Handle, Antonio Vivaldi, Joan Sebastian Bach, and Arcangelo Corelli.

Composers and performers of that era changed the musical notation, used more elaborated instruments and techniques that allowed music to be more complex. developing genres like cantata, opera, and concerto.

The Baroque music is a symbol of European classical music that became universal.