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Harmony vs. Symphony — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 17, 2023
Harmony is a pleasing combination of musical notes played or sung simultaneously. Symphony is an elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra.
Harmony vs. Symphony — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Harmony and Symphony

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Key Differences

Harmony and Symphony are both terms used in the field of music but represent different concepts. Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes played or sung together in a way that is pleasing to the ear. It involves the use of chords and the relationship between simultaneous sounds. On the other hand, Symphony is a type of musical composition, typically for a full orchestra. It is a complex piece of music that usually consists of several movements.
In terms of composition, Harmony is a component of many musical pieces, regardless of their genre. It is essential in creating depth and emotion in music. Harmonies are found in everything from simple folk songs to complex jazz arrangements. In contrast, a Symphony is a specific form of classical music, characterized by its scale and complexity. Composers like Beethoven and Mozart are renowned for their symphonies, which are performed by large orchestras.
The role of Harmony in music is to enrich the melody and create a fuller sound. It adds layers to a piece of music, allowing for more expressive and varied interpretations. Conversely, a Symphony is a standalone work of art, often telling a story or exploring a range of emotions and ideas through its multiple movements and the diverse instruments of an orchestra.
The creation and performance of Harmony and Symphony also differ. Harmonies can be created and performed by individual musicians or small groups, requiring a knowledge of music theory and the ability to listen and adapt to other notes. A Symphony, however, requires a composer to write the piece and an orchestra to perform it, involving a conductor to guide the musicians through the complex interactions of the various parts.
In a broader sense, Harmony can also refer to a state of agreement or concord in non-musical contexts, such as social or personal relationships. In contrast, Symphony is almost exclusively used in the context of classical music and does not have a widely recognized metaphorical use outside of this realm.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Combination of musical notes for a pleasing sound
Elaborate musical composition for an orchestra

Role in Music

Adds depth and emotion to melodies
Standalone work with multiple movements

Composition

Found in various music genres
Specific to classical music

Creation/Performance

Can be achieved by individuals/groups
Requires an orchestra and conductor

Broader Usage

Also means agreement/concord in general contexts
Primarily used in classical music context

Compare with Definitions

Harmony

The combination of different musical notes played together.
The choir's harmony added depth to the hymn.

Symphony

A long piece of music for a full orchestra.
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is famous worldwide.

Harmony

Agreement or concord in non-musical contexts.
The team worked in harmony to complete the project.

Symphony

An orchestral composition, typically in several movements.
The symphony moved the audience with its emotional depth.

Harmony

The agreement of sounds in music.
Their vocal harmony was perfectly in tune.

Symphony

A form of classical music for orchestra performance.
She conducted the symphony with great passion.

Harmony

A pleasing arrangement of different tones.
The guitar and violin created a beautiful harmony.

Symphony

A complex musical work for a large ensemble.
The composer debuted his new symphony last night.

Harmony

The aspect of music that creates chords.
He loved composing the harmony for new songs.

Symphony

A musical composition with various instrumental parts.
The symphony showcased the talents of each section of the orchestra.

Harmony

Harmony, in music, is the process by which the composition of individual sounds, or superpositions of sounds, is analysed by hearing. Usually, this means simultaneously occurring frequencies, pitches (tones, notes), or chords.Harmony is a perceptual property of music, and along with melody, one of the building blocks of Western music.

Symphony

A symphony is an extended musical composition in Western classical music, written by composers, most often for orchestra. Although the term has had many meanings from its origins in the ancient Greek era, by the late 18th century the word had taken on the meaning common today: a work usually consisting of multiple distinct sections or movements, often four, with the first movement in sonata form.

Harmony

An orderly or pleasing combination of elements in a whole
Color harmony.
The order and harmony of the universe.

Symphony

An extended piece in three or more movements for symphony orchestra.

Harmony

A relationship in which various components exist together without destroying one another
Different kinds of fish living in harmony.

Symphony

An instrumental passage in a vocal or choral composition.

Harmony

A relationship characterized by a lack of conflict or by agreement, as of opinion or interest
Family harmony.

Symphony

An instrumental overture or interlude, as in early opera.

Harmony

The study of the structure, progression, and relation of chords.

Symphony

A symphony orchestra.

Harmony

Simultaneous combination of notes in a chord.

Symphony

An orchestral concert.

Harmony

The structure of a work or passage as considered from the point of view of its chordal characteristics and relationships.

Symphony

Harmony, especially of sound or color.

Harmony

A combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear.

Symphony

Something characterized by a harmonious combination of elements.

Harmony

A musical line that harmonically complements the melody
You sing the lead part, and I'll sing the harmony.

Symphony

An extended piece of music of sophisticated structure, usually for orchestra.

Harmony

A collation of parallel passages, especially from the Gospels, with a commentary demonstrating their consonance and explaining their discrepancies.

Symphony

(music) An instrumental introduction or termination to a vocal composition.

Harmony

Agreement or accord.

Symphony

Harmony in music or colour, or a harmonious combination of elements.

Harmony

A pleasing combination of elements, or arrangement of sounds.

Symphony

A symphony orchestra.

Harmony

(music) The academic study of chords.

Symphony

A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.
The trumpets sound,And warlike symphony in heard around.

Harmony

(music) Two or more notes played simultaneously to produce a chord.

Symphony

A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling the virginal.
With harp and pipe and symphony.

Harmony

(music) The relationship between two distinct musical pitches (musical pitches being frequencies of vibration which produce audible sound) played simultaneously.

Symphony

An elaborate instrumental composition for a full orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with arguments or programmes to explain their meaning, such as the "symphonic poems" of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental.

Harmony

A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency.
A harmony of the Gospels

Symphony

A long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra

Harmony

The just adaptation of parts to each other, in any system or combination of things, or in things intended to form a connected whole; such an agreement between the different parts of a design or composition as to produce unity of effect; as, the harmony of the universe.

Symphony

A large orchestra; can perform symphonies;
We heard the Vienna symphony

Harmony

Concord or agreement in facts, opinions, manners, interests, etc.; good correspondence; peace and friendship; as, good citizens live in harmony.

Harmony

A literary work which brings together or arranges systematically parallel passages of historians respecting the same events, and shows their agreement or consistency; as, a harmony of the Gospels.

Harmony

A succession of chords according to the rules of progression and modulation.
Ten thousand harps, that tunedAngelic harmonies.

Harmony

See Harmonic suture, under Harmonic.

Harmony

Compatibility in opinion and action

Harmony

The structure of music with respect to the composition and progression of chords

Harmony

A harmonious state of things in general and of their properties (as of colors and sounds); congruity of parts with one another and with the whole

Harmony

Agreement of opinions

Harmony

An agreeable sound property

Common Curiosities

How is harmony different from melody?

Harmony complements a melody by adding depth, while melody is the main theme or tune of a piece.

What is harmony in music?

Harmony in music is the combination of different notes played together to create a pleasing sound.

What defines a symphony?

A symphony is a lengthy musical composition for a full orchestra, usually with several movements.

Who writes a symphony?

A symphony is written by a composer who specializes in orchestral music.

Can harmony exist in everyday life?

Yes, harmony can also refer to a state of agreement or balance in daily life.

Is a symphony always classical music?

Symphonies are primarily associated with classical music, but modern composers can experiment with the form.

Can a song have harmony without a melody?

No, harmony typically accompanies a melody, enriching and complementing it.

How many movements does a symphony have?

A symphony often has three to four movements, but it can vary.

Is harmony important in all music genres?

Harmony plays a crucial role in most music genres, adding depth and complexity.

Is understanding harmony important for musicians?

Yes, understanding harmony is crucial for musicians to create and interpret music effectively.

What instruments are used in a symphony?

A symphony typically involves a wide range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Can anyone compose a symphony?

Composing a symphony requires extensive musical knowledge and skill, but theoretically, anyone can try.

Can harmony be dissonant?

Yes, harmony can be dissonant, creating tension before resolving to a consonant state.

Do all songs have harmony?

Not all songs have harmony; some may focus solely on melody.

What's the difference between a symphony and a concerto?

A symphony is a work for the entire orchestra, while a concerto features a soloist accompanied by an orchestra.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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