Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Devoted to or appreciative of music: Used to describe a person or organization that has a great love for or dedication to music.
   • Composing or characteristic of an orchestral group: Used to describe an orchestra or a society that organizes concerts, often as part of its official name.

2. Noun:

   • A large orchestra; can perform symphonies: Refers to a full-sized orchestra, typically one that performs symphonic works. Often used in the proper names of specific orchestras.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She is a truly philharmonic listener, appreciating every nuance of the composition.
  • The Philharmonic Society was founded to promote classical music in the city.

• Noun:

  • We have tickets to hear the philharmonic perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony next week.
  • The Berlin Philharmonic is one of the world's most renowned orchestras.

Advanced Usage

• "philharmonic hall/center": A concert hall designed for or primarily used by a philharmonic orchestra.

  • The new piece premiered at the city's philharmonic hall.

• Used as part of a proper noun to name a specific orchestra or musical society. In this case, it is often capitalized.

  • He was the principal conductor of the New York Philharmonic for many years.

Variants and Related Words

• Philharmonia (n): Another term used in the names of some orchestras or musical societies, with a meaning very similar to "philharmonic."
  • The London Philharmonia Orchestra has a vast recording catalog.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Music-loving, concert-loving.
• Noun: Symphony orchestra, orchestra.

Related Phrases

• Philharmonic concert: A concert performed by a philharmonic orchestra.
  • The season's first philharmonic concert was sold out.

Notes on Meaning

• The word often functions as an adjective within the official title of an orchestra (e.g., The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra). When used alone as a noun (e.g., "the philharmonic"), it is understood to refer to that specific orchestra or the concept of a large symphony orchestra.
• It implies a formal, organized, and typically professional dedication to the performance of orchestral music, especially from the classical and romantic traditions.

Adjective

1. devoted to or appreciative of music
   • the most philharmonic ear is at times deeply affected by a simple air
2. composing or characteristic of an orchestral group
   • philharmonic players

Noun

1. a large orchestra; can perform symphonies
   • we heard the Vienna symphony