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Apart from being a solo star instrument, the piano was originally used in the orchestra to add strength to weak bits of music. Since 1900 the piano has become more equal and, aside from playing along with the others, it often gets passages to play alone. Listen to the Piano Range of the piano Listen to all the notes of the piano Special effects Glissandi /  Cluster /  Plucked Hear it in action Listen to this extract from Grieg's Piano Concerto    The keyboard player is often called upon to play other instruments. Find out more below.     Celeste This instrument will charm you! A little bit of magic from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker     Synthesiser This keyboard will make any sound you need! Listen to the synthesiser in John Adams' Fearful Symmetries     Organ This is an orchestra in itself! Listen to the organ in Saint-Saëns' 3rd Symphony              Meet the Orchestra! Elizabeth Burley plays the piano with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Read about her below.       Elizabeth Burley, Piano How old were you when you first started playing? I was six and a half. Why did you choose this instrument? There was always a piano in the house so it seemed the natural thing to do. Do you play any other instruments? I also studied the harpsichord and will have a go at all other keyboard instruments! I also learned the cello but you wouldn't want to hear me play it! What do you like most about playing in an orchestra? There is always something to learn and something to be challenged by. It's always thrilling to be part of the amazing sound of a large symphony orchestra. Do you play any other kind of music? I'm ashamed to admit I don't. What is your favourite music? I love so much different music but if I was going onto a desert island it would have to be Rachmaninov's piano music. Do you have any other hobbies? Tennis, jiving, hill walking and going to the theatre. What would you have been if you weren't a musician? I never really considered doing anything else but would have enjoyed something to do with the theatre.                   All pictures are copyrighted - picture credits     Flute Trumpet Oboe French Horn Clarinet Trombone Bassoon Tuba     Violin Tuned Viola Untuned Cello Timpani Double Bass   Harp   LEARN AN INSTRUMENT Which instrument, which age, finding teachers, buying guide and the perils of practice   Get help Listening

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