What characterizes the 'virginalist' style?

The 'virginalist' style is characterized by keyboard music that often features intricate counterpoint. This style emerged during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, particularly in England, associated with music composed for the virginal, a type of keyboard instrument. Composers in this tradition created pieces that displayed skillful interweaving of melodies and complex harmonic structures, often emphasizing the independence of voices within the texture. The focus on counterpoint allowed for a rich and engaging musical dialogue, showcasing both technical prowess and expressive qualities within the music.

In the context of other options, while vocal harmonies and orchestral compositions may be significant in different musical traditions, they do not define the virginalist style specifically. Resonance in string instruments could imply a different focus on timbre and instrumental technique but does not pertain directly to keyboard composition or the attributes of the virginalist style. Thus, the emphasis on intricate counterpoint in keyboard music is what distinctly identifies the virginalist approach.