Posted by Etymologist on February 18, 2001 at 11:05:46:
In Reply to: A question posted by Tim Murphy on February 18, 2001 at 00:35:53:
Symphony - Sounding together. Philharmonic - love of sound or harmony. Traditionally, Philharmonic Societies were groups playing together for the love of sound, hence amateur or volunteer groups. Symphonies were groups playing together and traditonally it was for pay. But, as the previous poster indicates, such distinictions are terribly blurred, now, and mean about as much as the need for alliteration in the name does. All right, someone needs to raise the question about the difference between a band and an orchestra. Let me outta here!