symphony orchestra
symphony orchestra — noun
1. A large, formally organised group of trained musicians who play classical music
A large, formally organised group of trained musicians who play classical music together in concerts, usually under the direction of a conductor who shapes the interpretation of the works.
The city built a new concert hall for its symphony orchestra last year.
Naoko auditioned for the symphony orchestra and earned a seat in the string section.
"audition for" + section seating pattern
The symphony orchestra performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to a full audience.
Local schools send students to watch the symphony orchestra rehearse on Friday mornings.
Imran's grandmother played the violin in a symphony orchestra for thirty years.
- philharmonic orchestra
refers to the same type of ensemble; 'philharmonic' is a naming convention used by some orchestras rather than a structural distinction
- orchestra
broader term that includes symphony orchestras as well as smaller groups; use 'orchestra' when the size and repertoire are not specifically relevant
- chamber orchestra
a much smaller ensemble, usually fewer than thirty players, without full wind, brass, or percussion sections
用法筆記
In everyday conversation, 'orchestra' and 'symphony orchestra' are often used as synonyms, but 'orchestra' is broader and can refer to smaller or specialised ensembles such as a chamber orchestra or a pit orchestra.
常見錯誤
2. A large ensemble organised into four main instrumental groups — strings, woodwin
A large ensemble organised into four main instrumental groups — strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion — that performs large-scale classical works such as symphonies, concertos, and overtures.
A full symphony orchestra has four sections: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
"has four sections" — describing internal structure
Unlike a chamber group, a symphony orchestra includes large brass and percussion sections.
"Unlike a chamber group" — comparison structure for size contrast
The brass and percussion sections at the back of a symphony orchestra produce the loudest, most powerful sound.
A symphony orchestra with eighty members requires skilled players in every section.
When writing music for a symphony orchestra, composers choose which section — strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion — carries the melody.
- full orchestra
emphasises completeness of instrumentation; used especially in educational and rehearsal contexts
- classical orchestra
similar in structure but can be smaller; 'symphony orchestra' implies the largest, most complete form
- string quartet
only four string players, no winds or percussion; a radically smaller ensemble
- brass band
only brass and percussion instruments; no string section
用法筆記
This sense emphasises the instrumental composition and scale of the ensemble rather than its role as an institution. Use it when describing what instruments are in the orchestra or how its sections are arranged.