Final answer:
The creation of opera is recognized as the most significant musical contribution of the Early Baroque period, marking an evolution in musical entertainment and artistic expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important musical contribution of the Early Baroque period is the creation and development of opera. During this era, there was a significant increase in the demand for music, which was facilitated by the invention of the Gutenberg press.
This allowed for wider distribution of music and musical theory. With the emergence of the bourgeois class, music became a popular form of entertainment. The fusion of northern European musical forms with the Italian tradition led to innovative styles and genres. The cities of Venice and Rome became hubs for musical activity, and the efforts to resurrect the music of ancient Greece culminated in the birth of opera in Florence.
This new form of music combined elements of the great painting style from the Renaissance with the emotional drama of the Mannerism period, as reflected in the works of composers like Claudio Monteverdi. Opera's emphasis on dramatic storytelling through music made it a cornerstone of Baroque musical expression.