The distinction between symphony and philharmonic orchestras isn’t as significant as you might think; in fact, there is no real difference at all! Both types of orchestras have the same number of players and use the same instruments.
The only difference lies in the origins of the names. Symphony comes from the Greek symphōnía, meaning “sounding together”. As the name suggests, symphony orchestras typically focus on symphonies and more traditional forms of classical music.
On the other hand, Philharmonic orchestras are often known for playing a broader range of music. This includes popular music and film soundtracks, alongside classical symphonies. In this article, we’ll look at symphony vs. philharmonic orchestras, exploring the meaning and history behind these names.
What is an orchestra?
An orchestra is a large ensemble of musicians, typically around 80 to 100 players. These musicians are divided into four main instrument families: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Each group has its role, whether it’s to add texture, harmony, melody, or bass, and together they create a wide dynamic and tonal range.
The word orchestra originates from ancient Greek theatre, but it began to refer to musical ensembles in the 17th century. As orchestras have developed, so too have their size and repertoire, particularly during the Classical and Romantic periods, when composers like Beethoven and Mahler expanded the ensemble and its possibilities.
Today, orchestras perform a broad range of music, from classical symphonies to film scores. To learn more about the specific instruments involved, take a look at our guide to the Instruments of the orchestra. It breaks down each section and explains how they all work together.
Symphony vs. philharmonic
Which orchestra is bigger?
Symphony and philharmonic orchestras are actually the same size! This might make things confusing, as “symphony” and “philharmonic” are used interchangeably. So, why do they have different names? Well, the answer lies in the origins of the names…
“Symphony” overview
The word symphony comes from the Greek symphōnía, meaning “sounding together”. It originally referred to harmonious sounds in a broad sense, but over time became associated with large-scale musical works. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the term was used to describe various types of compositions, sometimes appearing within operas or theatrical productions.
By the Classical period, composers such as Joseph Haydn helped to formalise the symphony as a multi-movement orchestral work. These compositions typically featured contrasting tempos and moods, performed by full orchestras. Today, symphony commonly refers both to the musical form and to the orchestras that perform it.
“Philharmonic” overview
The word philharmonic comes from a Greek term meaning “love of harmony”. It was historically linked to organisations formed to promote and support orchestral music. The term became more common in the 19th century, particularly among societies that hosted concerts and supported music.
Over time, philharmonic began appearing in orchestra names, defining their identity, such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Today, it primarily serves as a naming distinction and does not indicate any difference in size or structure compared to a symphony orchestra. That said, philharmonic orchestras are often more likely to include popular and contemporary works in their programmes.
How does an orchestra choose its name?
An orchestra’s name is shaped by tradition, its history, and its identity. In some cases, these huge ensembles are named after their founder – a way of honouring them and carrying on their legacy (the Hallé Orchestra is the most well-known example, paying tribute to Charles Hallé). More often than not, though, orchestras select names that reflect a combination of historical background, function, and identity.
They also may choose to reference where they’re based, for example, the London Symphony Orchestra or the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The decision to choose “symphony” vs “philharmonic” highlights their mission or stylistic focus. Or, more simply, an orchestra may choose one over the other to distinguish itself from another orchestra in town!
There’s another type of orchestra…
A chamber orchestra is a much smaller ensemble designed for more intimate performances, typically held in smaller venues or halls. These usually consist of between 15 and 40 players, allowing for a clearer musical texture and more direct communication between musicians.
Chamber orchestras often perform works from the Baroque and Classical periods, when music was commonly written for smaller venues.
FAQs
What are the 4 instrument families?
The four instrument families are woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings.
What are the differences between a chamber orchestra and a philharmonic orchestra?
The difference between a chamber orchestra and a philharmonic orchestra lies in size and repertoire. Chamber orchestras are smaller, typically 15 – 40 musicians, and focus on intimate works suited to smaller venues. Philharmonic orchestras are much larger, often with 80+ players, performing complex symphonic music in grand concert halls.
What is the difference between a full orchestra and a symphony orchestra?
A full orchestra and a symphony orchestra are one and the same: a large ensemble with strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
Final thoughts
So, there we have it – a symphony vs. philharmonic crash course. In essence, these orchestras are the same – they have the same number of players and cover largely similar music. However, the difference lies in the origins of the words and why an orchestra might choose one over the other.
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