Religious music was still important during the Renaissance, with choral music extending Gregorian chant traditions. Music was sung a cappella in Latin, with motets being popular polyphonic works. Giovanni Palestrina was one of the most important Renaissance composers, writing mainly religious works like motets, madrigals, and masses. The musical mass was an integral part of Catholic services, with different pieces of music corresponding to parts of the mass celebration. Dancing was a popular pastime, with educated people expected to know different dances like the branle, pavane, and galliard.

2. A Cappella