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Ensemble vs Orchestra - What's the difference?

ensemble | orchestra |

In lang=en terms the difference between ensemble and orchestra

is that ensemble is a piece for several instrumentalists or vocalists while orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including some from strings, woodwind, brass and/or percussion; the instruments played by such a group.

As nouns the difference between ensemble and orchestra

is that ensemble is a group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole while orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including some from strings, woodwind, brass and/or percussion; the instruments played by such a group.

ensemble

English

Noun

(wikipedia ensemble) (en noun)
  • a group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole
  • a coordinated costume or outfit; a suit
  • a group of musicians, dancers, actors, etc who perform together; e.g. the chorus of a ballet company
  • * 12 July 2012 , Sam Adams, AV Club Ice Age: Continental Drift
  • On paper, Continental Drift boasts a jaw-dropping voice cast, including but not limited to Jennifer Lopez, Patrick Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Aziz Ansari, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Alan Tudyk. But in practice, the overstuffed ensemble leaves the cast no room to distinguish themselves, and directors Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier don’t seem interested in coaxing performances that might render their money stars less identifiable.
  • (music) a piece for several instrumentalists or vocalists
  • Derived terms

    * ensemblist * subensemble

    orchestra

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (music) A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including some from strings, woodwind, brass and/or percussion; the instruments played by such a group.
  • A semicircular space in front of the stage used by the chorus in Ancient Greek and Hellenistic theatres.
  • The area in a theatre or concert hall where the musicians sit, immediately in front of and below the stage, sometimes (also) used by other performers.
  • Derived terms

    * orchestral * (orchestra types ) chamber orchestra, orchestra in residence, philharmonic orchestra, string orchestra, symphony orchestra

    Derived terms

    * orchestrate, orchestration * orchestrina, orchestrion

    Usage notes

    * In British English, "The orchestra are'' tuning up" is often used, implying the individual members. In the US, one would almost always hear "The orchestra ''is tuning up", implying a collective.

    Anagrams

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