Which composers are often associated with the impressionist style?

The impressionist style in music is characterized by its emphasis on atmosphere, mood, and color rather than traditional harmonic progressions and formal structures. The composers commonly associated with impressionism, particularly in the context of music, are Ravel and Debussy. Although Bartók, Messiaen, Ligeti, and Crumb are not strictly classified as impressionists, they do exhibit elements of impressionistic techniques in their work, such as unique textures and innovative uses of rhythm and timbre, showing influence from or parallels to the impressionist movement in different ways.

Choosing this group highlights the evolution and diverse influences of the impressionist style beyond its foundational composers, reflecting a broader understanding of musical styles. The inclusion of such composers indicates an exploration of complex modern harmonies and timbral colors, which are characteristics of the impressionist ethos, thus making this answer the most fitting in the context of the question.