What is the difference between a jazz orchestra and a classical orchestra?

Answer 1

I believe the most single difference between the two is the size. In many instances, a city, etc will board two groups usually made up of many of the same number. In the "old": days because of economical constraints, the smaller group was thought to play somewhat lighter classics, [and] probably would not attempt "The Ting" (Wagner, Beethoven's 9th.) Today I think probably the line is more vague, or perhaps on (the smaller) would perhaps more light classical, if not downright parochial. {one amateurish explanation!}

Different answer than from above: It's pretty simple, the classical orchestra was the orchestra during the classical period, i.e the later 1700s, the time of Mozart, Haydn and the like. The orchestras consisted of strings, simple brass instruments like the the natural Trumpet and the slide Trombone, clarinets, flutes, bassoon sometimes. The percussion section was pretty much just Timpani. As time has moved on the orchestra has had things added. The horn in the 1800s, various percussion instruments etc. What you have to remember was that the strings during the classical period were the main orchestra and the winds were there for colour, whereas when we move on to the romantic period colour became much more important and in a lot of modern music, tone colour and sound is more important than melody and harmony in the classical sense.

Answer 2

The difference between Classical Music and modern music is that classical music was written hundreds of years ago, by Beethoven, Handle...etc. And they are not produced using electricity, eg. electric Guitars and microphone. They are normally 'calmer' than modern music.

Answer 3

A jazz orchestra employs more use of wind instruments, particularly saxophones, than the traditional or "Classical" orchestra. The jazz orchestra will also utilize non-classical instruments such as electric keyboards, synthesisers and electric guitar. Additionally the Jazz orchestra often features improvisation of some sort in its playing style. Classical performers must follow the composer's score as well as the conductor's instructions; Jazz performers will take the printed note and express it with altered inflection, syncopation and dynamics.