Symphony vs Philharmonic
The distinction between a symphony and a philharmonic lies in how the musicians of symphonies prefer to identify themselves. The term “orchestra” originates from an ancient Greek word, referring to an area in front of the stage typically reserved for the chorus. In modern times, it refers to a group of musicians who sit together and play various musical instruments. Orchestras with around 50 players are known as chamber orchestras, while those with 80 to 100 players are called symphony orchestras or philharmonic orchestras. Many people are confused about the differences between symphony and philharmonic orchestras, but there is no need for confusion.
Key Takeaways
- A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra with 80 to 100 players, playing symphony music and using various types of instruments such as string, woodwind, brass, and percussion.
- A philharmonic orchestra is also a symphony orchestra, with the same number of players and similar variety of instruments.
- The difference between symphony and philharmonic orchestras is in the name only, which is used by different symphonies to identify themselves separately from others.
What is a Symphony Orchestra?
A chamber orchestra typically plays symphony music in front of a regular crowd. However, there are times when a larger number of musicians are assembled to play a symphony. Such an orchestra is called a symphony orchestra and usually has 80 musicians, although the number may vary depending on the piece of music, occasion, or venue. Symphony orchestras play symphony music and use different types of instruments such as string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. An example of a symphony orchestra is the London Symphony Orchestra.
What is a Philharmonic Orchestra?
A philharmonic orchestra is also a symphony orchestra, with the same number of players (between 80 and 100) and a similar variety of instruments, including string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. To understand the difference between symphony and philharmonic orchestras, let’s take the example of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Both orchestras play well-known and obscure compositions, and both have the same number of musicians (80-100) compared to a chamber orchestra, which typically has around 50 musicians. Therefore, it is only a matter of nomenclature as to why an orchestra is called a symphony or a philharmonic. In fact, it often boils down to what a group of musicians prefers to be called by others. There have been instances when symphonies have collapsed, only to be reborn as philharmonics later on.
What is the difference between Symphony and Philharmonic?
- A group of musicians that sit together and play various musical instruments is known as an orchestra. Depending on the number of players, orchestras can be divided into chamber orchestras and symphony orchestras.
- A chamber orchestra is a small orchestra with about 50 players, often playing string instruments and older tunes composed for musicians to play in private halls and similar venues.
- A symphony orchestra is a large orchestra with players ranging between 80 and 100.
- Sometimes, some symphony orchestras call themselves Philharmonic, instead of using the term symphony. This is a matter of identity, done especially for the audience and the players to identify themselves with a particular group.
There is no difference in the number of players, the music played, or the instruments used between symphony and philharmonic orchestras. The difference is only in the name as a way of identifying themselves. The distinction between symphony and philharmonic orchestras is in the name only, which different symphonies use to identify themselves separately from others. If both London symphony groups had the same name as the London Symphony Orchestra, how would we differentiate one from the other? This name difference is mostly evident in large cities with multiple symphonies. As they both play the same kind of music, you will enjoy yourself in the same manner, whether you choose a symphony or a philharmonic orchestra.
