What is a key feature of the music style known as impressionism?

The music style known as impressionism is characterized by a focus on subtle tone colors and atmosphere. This style emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in France, and is associated with composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Impressionist music emphasizes creating mood and imagery rather than adhering to traditional forms and structures. Composers often employed innovative harmonic techniques, such as whole-tone scales and modal harmonies, which contributed to a sense of ambiguity and fluidity. This shift away from precise melodic lines and strong rhythmic drive was intended to evoke feelings and atmospheres, much like the impressionist artists did in visual arts by capturing a moment in time through color and light.

In contrast, strict forms and structures, clarity of form, and strong rhythmic drive are more characteristic of other music traditions, such as classical or romantic styles, which prioritize clear themes, formal development, and often rhythmic vigor. Thus, the hallmark of impressionism lies in its ethereal qualities and a rich palette of tonal colors that convey mood rather than strict musical orthodoxy.