Re: Lilypond vs Score

[David Bobroff]

On 2/1/2010 9:57 PM, Bobber wrote:
> I have been having a discussion with a small publisher who uses the 
> music manuscript program called Score.  He says that neither Lilypond 
> or Finale can produce engraving that is comparable to Score.  And that 
> most of the major music publishers in the world use Score.
>
> Is anyone familiar with Score and what makes it superior?

I have never used Score myself.  I recall that, quite a few years ago, 
when I was first looking for a music printing program I was advised by 
the guy behind the counter that Score was The One. I suspect that this 
was true at the time.  I recall reading somewhere that Score was the 
first software to meet the music publishing industry's standard.  Up to 
that time, published music was either engraved, or manuscript.  I have 
some music in my personal library that was published using Score.  I 
know this because I know the publisher and he told me that he uses 
Score.  When I compare Score output to LilyPond output I would agree 
that it is not comparable.  I think LilyPond looks better.  Perhaps I'm 
a bit biased, but I don't think a strong argument can be put forward 
that Score is obviously superior.  This publisher you've been talking to 
is likely somewhat biased in favor of Score since he uses/understands 
it.  He's probably right when he says that Finale can't compare (I used 
to use Finale, but haven't in several years) and he is also probably 
correct when he says that most major publishing houses use Score.  Then 
again, most large businesses use Windows, too.....

-David