Skills, Challenges and Perils as an Orchestral Pianist

[acpiano]

Dear all,

I am starting this discussion because in today's music field "pianist as an orchestral musician" is like "Area 51", we all know it exists but not much information out there. I hope this topic will open up a new horizon to the public or even to many established pianists!

Some of the obvious and essential skills, challenges and perils are 1) the ability to follow the baton patterns by different conductors; 2) keeping up the speed and be flexible with tempo changes; 3) be able to listen the orchestral parts selectively; 4) be very adaptable in the position you are placed (in the middle of the orchestra, next to the percussion, etc) and react quickly to the balance and sound delay; 5) ability to play other keyboard instruments as required and learn to read figured bass; and 6) don't lose concentration over 200-bar rests and miss a big exposed solo!

To me, I think orchestral pianists are some of the most precise, high-EQ players in the world and they are usually great chamber musicians as well. Definitely one of the coolest business in the music field. Please feel free to discuss virtually anything related to the above topic!