A symphony is an extensive instrumental work written for an orchestra. An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together. Philharmonic translates to “music lover,” and is similar to an orchestra. A chamber is a small ensemble of musicians that can fit in a small performance space.
These four music terms often get mixed up, but each has a distinct meaning. Understanding these differences helps you appreciate the music for each ensemble. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Symphony
A symphony is a composition for an orchestra, typically in four movements. The word “symphony” comes from the Greek words συμφωνία (sumphōnia), meaning “a sounding together,” and σύνολον (synolon), meaning “whole.”
The word “symphony” came into English in the late 15th century. Often used for large-scale classical music, a symphony usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony stands out as one of the most popular and well-known classical pieces. Symphonies usually follow a fast-slow-fast-slow movement order, though there are many exceptions.
The four movements split into two groups: the first two (fast and slow) are usually lyrical, and the last two (fast and slow) are more dramatic. A symphony orchestra generally includes about 100 musicians, though it can have up to 200.
The title of symphony orchestra goes to the most respected and well-funded orchestras in a city or state. Some of the most famous include the London Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Orchestra
An orchestra is a large musical ensemble with strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. The term “orchestra” originates from the Greek word ὀρχήστρα (orchestra), meaning “a place for dancing.”
The modern concept of an orchestra began in Florence, Italy, in the early 1600s. Orchestras consist of four main sections: strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
These sections divide into two groups: the first two (strings and brass) are louder and more explosive. The last two (woodwinds and percussion) are quieter and more subtle. The string section is the largest, followed by the brass and woodwind sections. The percussion section is the smallest.
An orchestra typically has about 100 musicians, though it can have up to 200. Smaller groups with fewer than 50 musicians are called chamber orchestras. Full-size ones with around 100 musicians are known as symphony orchestras.
Philharmonic
The word “philharmonic” comes from the Greek words φίλος (phílos), meaning “lover,” and ἁρμόνιον (harmónon), meaning “harmony.” It also refers to a large musical ensemble with various instruments.
In the 1800s, many music societies funded by music lovers used the term. Members paid monthly dues to organize concerts. Philharmonic orchestras play classical music compositions larger in scale than chamber music pieces.
The Berlin Philharmonic stands as one of the most famous orchestras globally. An early example is the Norwegian Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1765. Renowned worldwide, the Vienna and New York Philharmonic orchestras were both established in 1842.
Chamber
Chamber music is composed for a small group of musicians, usually playing strings. This music fits well in a modest performance setting, with a small ensemble delivering an intimate experience.
The word “chamber” comes from the Latin “camera,” meaning “room.” Chamber music is usually more intimate and less powerful than symphonic or orchestral music and often plays without a conductor. A chamber orchestra is the smallest type, with about 50 musicians or fewer.
The most common instruments in chamber music include the violin, viola, cello, and piano. Other instruments like the flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon can also be part of the ensemble. A chamber orchestra usually has fewer string players compared to a symphony or philharmonic orchestra.
A chamber orchestra usually has around 20 to 30 string players, whereas a symphony orchestra often includes 30 to 40 string players.
Chamber music, first composed in the 1700s, primarily features classical compositions but also includes jazz and folk music.
