The scores in the Finale section of the Bach Cantatas Website are based on the Bach Gesellschaft edition, though using modern clefs, fonts and layout. A small number of editorial corrections have been included, and clearly indicated.
As well as providing a useful version of the score, the cantatas can be 'performed' by the computer, helping to answer questions about tempo and ornamentation, and also for conducting/choir training purposes.
The later versions of Finale (eg Finale 2010), with the Garritan instruments set to "Baroque" performing styles, generate interesting versions of the work.
To view the figured bass correctly readers would also need "Eisenach - the Figured-Bass Font for Finale", which is also supplied. The score is also available in Adobe .PDF format, this could be viewed and printed (but of course this could not be played on the computer).
There are also notes (analytical and historical) for the relevant cantatas in PDF format.
The main files for each cantata are:
BWVNNN-Finale.MUS - The cantata score in Finale 2003 MUS format
BWVNNN-Notes.pdf - Notes on the Cantata in Adobe PDF format
BWVNNN-Score.pdf - Score of the cantata in Adobe PDF format
Supporting files are:
TIF file of Alto clef required for finale 2003 format
Eisenach-light - figured-bass font. Please install the figured bass font before opening the .MUS score, so that the figured-bass reads correctly - otherwise it will probably default to a symbol font. [In Windows XP copy font to font file - in control panel. In Windows 7 drag font to font file under control panel - Appearance and
Personalisation.]
The Finale files (.MUS) can't be opened in the browser. Please download the files and open them with Finale 2003 software. To view and listen to the .MUS file without Finale 2003 (or later) download the Finale Reader from Finale - The Premiere Family of Music Notation Software.
After the download and installion of Finale Reader are complete, please open each Finale file (.MUS) stored at your computer, using the option of 'open with' > Finale Reader
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