Is the harsichord in the orchestra?

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.