Mus. [It. tutto sing., tutti pl. all:—L. tōtus, tōtī.] In concerted music, a direction that all the performers are to take part; also, a passage or movement rendered by all the performers together; also attrib.
1724. Short Explic. For. Wds. in Mus. Bks., Tutti, or Tutto,… signifies All, or All together,… in Musick of several Parts,… signifying that … all the several Parts are to perform together.
1833. Penny Cycl., I. 74/1. Except in the tutti parts (i.e., those portions of the concerto in which the principal instrument rests).
1839. Longf., Hyperion, IV. iv. A surfeit of music; tuttis, finales, choruses, must be performed.
1884. Leeds Mercury, Weekly Supp., 15 Nov., 1/6. Her solo passages were very pleasing, but the tutti music was wanting in tone and point.
