Should I count aloud to 12 in 12/8 time? Or count aloud to 6 in each measure?

Question

If "Pirates of the Caribbean" on music notes is written in 12/8 time, should I count 12 in each measure, or should I count the pulse instead -- counting 6 in each measure?

 

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0138883. Additionally, the sheet music rhythm seems to be different than the original recording. It seems that counting to 6 in each measure would be more accurate with the rhythm we're used to hearing.

Answer 1

The "beat" is clearly indicated in the bass clef with four beats per measure, so let that be a guide since the treble clef doesn't clearly display groups of three eighth notes that Mark described. The brisk tempo would not allow you to actually count to twelve for each measure.

Answer 2

Notice that the eight notes are in groups of three and that the tempo direction is "briskly." It is a jig, or gigue.

To begin you can count 1 - 12 for each measure to get the notes. Later you should feel/play

1 ta ta 2 ta ta 3 ta ta 4 ta ta.