What characteristic is associated with impressionism in music, especially concerning orchestral colors?

The characteristic associated with impressionism in music, particularly regarding orchestral colors, is the individual treatment of instruments. Impressionist composers aimed to create unique soundscapes by emphasizing the individual qualities of each instrument within the orchestra. This approach allowed for a more nuanced and varied texture, where the timbres and colors of instruments could evoke specific moods or imagery, similar to the way impressionist painters used color and light to capture fleeting moments.

In this style, composers such as Debussy and Ravel often blended instruments together in innovative ways, moving away from traditional orchestration practices that prioritized harmonic progressions or structural rigidity. The focus on individual instrumental sound not only highlighted the distinct characteristics of each instrument but also allowed composers to experiment with layering sounds for a richly atmospheric effect.

Other choices, while relevant to different musical styles or periods, do not encapsulate the essence of impressionistic techniques in orchestration. For example, traditional harmonic sequences and complex counterpoint are more characteristic of earlier classical traditions, and descriptive sonatas might relate to narrative techniques rather than the textural innovations that define impressionism.