Is the harsichord in the orchestra?

Answer 1

The harpsichord is not usually part of a modern orchestra, but it is an essential part of the baroque orchestra -- the period of Bach and Handel. In this orchestra, the harpsichordist doubles the basses and cellos with his left hand, and improvises chords with his right hand, filling in the harmony. This is called the continuo. In church music the same function is often performed by the organist. During the baroque period the performer of the continuo was often the composer.

Answer 2

Most of the time, pipe organs and orchestras do not play together. However, the song "Adagio in G Minor" by Tomaso Albinoni was written for orchestra and pipe organ, and I'm sure that there are other songs where the 2 play together.

Answer 3

It would be difficult but probably not impossible to include a harpsichord in a modern orchestra. After all, Tchaikovsky used the celesta, and that is also a soft and unassuming instrument. Harpsichords were very much at home in ensembles during Bach's day, and harpsichordists were very skilled at reading 'figured bass', a kind of notation shorthand based on harmony that has some similarities with modern jazz scores.