it seems to me (as to several others) that finale is half-way to linked score-parts with special part extraction, and that the remaining hesitations for linkage could be solved by having one file, with various layouts defined, according to their needs, as in relational databases. the final score layout is simply one of the layouts contained in the master file. extra layouts can be defined (similar to current special part extraction functioning) which are linked to the master file's core content, but whose layout is not affected (nor deleted!) by the creation of new layout, or by alteration of other existing layouts.
in filemaker, i can create x number of fields and have any number of layouts according to the needs of each individual layout, all of which have only as many of the total fields appearing to present the information as necessary to the individual layout's function. in finale, this idea translates into layout A being full score, containing all information contained in the master document with layout adjustments, layout B containing only information relevant to flute 1 with its own layout adjustments, layout C is generated by copying layout B and selecting flute 2 as the content source, and can then be tweaked without affecting the layout of A or B [*]... this, in my view, would be the ideal situation for score-parts linked finale, no need to save each layout as a separate file, the parts will be contained within the same file as the score. as an example, a ten-instrument score would have as many layouts as the user defines:
. non-jazz, 12 layouts: "normal" layout, not for printing (defined for viewing in scroll view?); full score (page view); 10 individual parts (page view)
. jazz, 13 layouts: "normal" layout, not for printing (defined for viewing in scroll view); full score (page view); control score (reduced or imploded parts, page view); 10 individual parts (page view)
. publishing house: 13 layouts: "normal" layout, not for printing (defined for viewing in scroll view); full score (page view); perusal score (miniature score, page view); 10 individual parts (page view)
similar to patterson beams' and TGTools' slur tool capability to NOT affect manually-adjusted items, it would be implemented into linked parts that layout-based items (positioning) are not changed in the individual part if they have been manually adjusted (individual positioning now applies to staff-assigned expressions as well as measure-assigned). this is particularily important in the case of scores in C containing Eb and F transposing instruments (Bb instruments are not as big a problem, but still have issues). the content, however, would be updated in all parts containing the item if changed in ANY of the layouts (score, individual parts), in a manner similar to the functioning of mirrors in finale. this can be overridden: for example, "accelerando" appears in the score, but the part is tight so the shorter "accel." is used. text items will have an alternative spelling in the parts, or wherever needed (this is already implemented in custom smart shapes, see gliss.), or staff lists can be used to control appearance (full spelling in score and woodwinds, short form in brass-strings).
since a large part of what has been discussed is already partially implemented somewhere in the programme's functionality, it is just a matter of expanding existing functions and deciding where the toggle switches for control are to be implemented, so that everyone can use the programme according to h-- needs for the individual score.
style sheets/templates (or "the idea of", as DF suggests) would be an excellent addition, to allow important possibilities for the various layouts: eg., perusal vs. conductor's score, where the fonts in the miniature score need to be larger in relation to the music than in the conductor's score. user can specify (in a dialogue box similar to staff lists) that all instances of "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" in the master document are to appear "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" in G and H layouts, but not in A though F. this might be best implemented into the existing staff lists.
it is doubtful, i imagine (but then i know nothing about programming), that master documents (linked score-parts) could be made out of scores/parts created with an older version of finale.
[*] maybe the layout tool, or the selection tool could be used to select a number of items in layout B, then double click the page to bring up a dialogue box to select those items you want to copy (measure widths, spacing, system parameters, titles) and paste onto the layout of C through G...
jef
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