For score download (in multiple formats including MuseScore and PDF), head to:

This page provides some additional information for musicians using the scores.

General:

  • All scores are checked at least twice, by different contributors, but we accept that some errors will inevitably still be missed. Please report any errors by adding a comment on the score in MuseScore.com, or getting in touch directly. We will investigate and make the necessary corrections.
  • Each score is transcribed from a named, public domain source on IMSLP.
  • The semantic content of the source (including notes, rests, slurs etc.) is reproduced as closely as possible, within the constraints of MuseScore capability, observing modern notational conventions, and making allowances for cases where editorial intervention is clearly needed (e.g., as discussed in this report).
  • Standard headings are provided, on all scores and parts.
  • Page size = A4 (standard in Europe). This can be altered within MuseScore and is close enough to the American ‘Letter size’ to be practical in most cases.

Score layout

  • Score layout follows the system layout of the source (within reason), but not the page layout
  • Each movement begins on a new page.
  • There are 5 or 6 systems per page in most scores.
  • When a quartet score is transcribed from parts only, there is obviously no score layout to copy.

Bar (measure) numbers

  • Following conventional practice, the first complete bar of a movement is numbered 1,
    • I.e., if the first measure is incomplete (an “anacrusis”) it should be counted as number 0 (in practice, excluded from the count).
  • First time bars at repeats are also excluded from the count.

Tempo and Playback

  • Naturally, we transcribe all tempo and metronome marks from a source into the transcription.
  • Where a specific metronome mark is given, it will affect playback in the transcribed MuseScore file.
  • Where only general indications are given (e.g., “Andante”) playback in app will follow MuseScore defaults (e.g., MM=92).
  • There are some exceptional cases where we provide editorial tempo markings but any work on playback in MuseScore is incidental: our priority is to produce reliable, user-friendly, visually accurate scores. Clearly, musicians will make their own decisions on tempo in performance.

Parts (String Quartets only)

Every effort is made to ensure that the parts are clear, easy to read, and in a usable format, as these are arguably the most important aspect of the project for musicians.

  • Each movement starts on a new page.
  • If a movement is up to 3 pages long, page turn breaks are not routinely implemented, as 3 A4 pages can usually be accommodated on a music stand.
  • For longer movements, every effort is made to find suitable rests where page turns would be easiest, also taking into account repeats, which sometimes require a backward page turn with no pause at the repeat. This is often the most difficult task in the preparation for upload, but we do our best, and of course, digital scores can be adjusted by the user in MuseScore.
  • The downloads page includes PDFs of scores and parts, that preserve the team’s work on this pagination.

Feedback

Again, if you notice any errors please let us know via the MuseScore.com page comments or directly. We’re also keen to hear if you have any suggestions or requests!

Maureen Redbond and Mark Gotham, last update 10-2026