- Old orchestra: Typically consisted of around 30-40 musicians.
- Modern orchestra: Typically consists of around 100 musicians.
Instrumentation
- Old orchestra: Typically included strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
- Modern orchestra: Includes all of the above, plus a wider variety of instruments, such as the harp, piano, and celeste.
Seating arrangement
- Old orchestra: Musicians were seated in a semi-circle, with the conductor in the center.
- Modern orchestra: Musicians are seated in a horseshoe shape, with the conductor in front of them.
Repertoire
- Old orchestra: Performed a wide variety of music, including symphonies, concertos, and operas.
- Modern orchestra: Performs a similar variety of music, but also includes more contemporary works and crossover music.
Performance practices
- Old orchestra: Played with a more relaxed tempo and a more improvisatory style.
- Modern orchestra: Plays with a more precise tempo and a more standardized style.
Audience
- Old orchestra: Performed for a smaller, more elite audience.
- Modern orchestra: Performs for a larger, more diverse audience.
Role in society
- Old orchestra: Was seen as a symbol of wealth and status.
- Modern orchestra: Is seen as a cultural institution and a source of entertainment.