What’s the Difference Between a Symphony and an Orchestra?

The relationship between a symphony and an orchestra is that the orchestra is the ensemble that performs the symphony. While a symphony is a type of musical composition, the orchestra is the group of musicians that brings it to life.

A symphony is a large-scale musical composition, typically written for an orchestra. It usually consists of multiple movements, each with its own tempo and character, and often employs sonata form, whose basic elements are exposition, development, and recapitulation. The symphony as a musical form began to take shape during the Classical period, around 1740–1820, and has evolved over the centuries to include various styles and structures. Composers such as Beethoven and Mozart are famous for their symphonies, which are considered masterpieces of orchestral music.

An orchestra, on the other hand, is a large ensemble of musicians who play a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The modern symphony orchestra, which took shape in the 18th century, typically includes these four sections and can have 100 or more musicians. The orchestra is the vehicle through which symphonies and other orchestral works are performed. It has evolved over time, with changes in instrumentation and size, to accommodate the demands of different musical styles and compositions.