some music was written for use in church services (sacred music) by the italian composer giovanni da palestrina (1525–1594). in palestrina's music, many singers sing together (this is called a choir). there was also plenty of music not written for the church, such as happy dance music and romantic love songs. popular instruments during the renaissance included the viols (a string instrument played with a bow), lutes (a plucked stringed instrument that is a little like a guitar), and the virginal, a small, quiet keyboard instrument.