How is the piano important to an orchestra I know it isn't part of one but it is nearly always there to play concertos and such and it is used to practice with the orchestra Why is it so important?

Answer 1

Some of the statements in your question are true and some are a little bit off.

First, I will clarify the issue of the piano's role in the orchestra.

The piano can play a role in an orchestra concert as either a member of the orchestra (where it is technically part of the percussion section, for example in Shostakovich's fifth symphony) or as the soloist in a concerto. The piano is notusually used to in symphony rehearsals because the musicians are able to generate their own pitches (unlike in many choir rehearsals where the piano is used to aid the singers in learning their parts, or in Opera or musical rehearsals where the piano stands in for the orchestra that will be used in performance.)

In the case of the first orchestral use of piano, the piano is important because it adds a special timbre (or tone color) to the ensemble. Piano is sometimes used to double percussive lines and give a sharp, clear sound. It can also be used to reinforce a line in the harp or strings that might otherwise be too soft to hear.

In the latter case, in which the piano is the soloist in the concerto, the piano is important in the same way that any soloist is important: it leads the orchestra and creates musical interest by introducing and developing musical themes, often with dazzling virtuosity.

Generally speaking, the piano's wide pitch range, its freedom to play simultaneous melodic and/or harmonic lines, and its ability to play easily in octaves make it a versatile instrument for use as either an orchestral instrument or as a soloist.

Hope that answers your question!