light classical musicWhat is the difference between Symphonic and Light Classical music?

I noticed on the music channels on my TV, they feature both of these but they sound like similar types of music, I'm confused?
The main differences are in complexity and duration. Light classical uses shorter forms with more melodic content, and is often intended for dancing or background music. Symphonic music is longer in duration, with more complex forms and development, and is better suited for concert settings.
I disagree with the first answer who suggests that light classical music is designed for background listening or dance. So far as the latter islight classical music concerned, that is true in a number of cases, I accept. The trouble is in the constant desire to pigeonhole. Are waltzes and other dances by the Strauss Family, Lanner, Waldteuefel, Lumbye, Ziehrer etc 'light classical' music? Where do you put the operettas by Offenbach and Sullivan? (neither written either for background listening, or for dancing).

Here in the UK there has been a long tradition of writing light classical music, which quite clearly falls into that category, from composers such as Eric Coates, Albert Ketelbey, Haydn Wood, Edward German tlight classical musico the still living Ernest Tomlinson and Phillip Lane. This music tends to be tuneful, fairly unadventurous in harmony and development and of short(ish) duration. They are often characterised by catchy titles. Sometimes these pieces have quirky instrumentation (think Leroy Anderson!) But having said that one of the cleverest pieces I know is Tomlinson's Fantasia on Auld Lang Syne which lasts 20 minutes. If you ever ger a chance to listen do so and see how many of the 129 other works he manages to weave into the fabric you can pick out.