Which movement is characterized by the use of free-flowing melodies and harmonic exploration?

The Impressionist Movement in music is known for its distinctive characteristics, such as free-flowing melodies and a focus on atmospheric effects rather than strict form and structure. Composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel employed innovative harmonic progressions and modal scales, which created a sense of fluidity and dream-like quality in their works. This approach marked a departure from the more rigid forms and predictable harmonic progressions of earlier periods, allowing for greater emotional expression and exploration of musical colors.

In Impressionist music, the emphasis is often on evoking a mood or painting a sonic picture, which is achieved through the use of unconventional harmonies, extended chords, and non-traditional scales. The melodies are often free and lyrical, providing a contrast to the more structured and formal melodies found in other musical movements. This focus on fluidity and exploration makes the Impressionist Movement uniquely characterized by its ability to convey complex emotional landscapes through music.