There is Singularly Nothing is a series of 22 solos for voices and instruments composed in 1971-73 (& 1995). The texts are excerpts from a lecture by Gertrude Stein, “Composition as Explanation,” which she gave in 1926 at Oxford University. Solos 1-18 were composed in 1971-73. The need for more voice material in 1995 prompted Kotik to compose additional parts for voice (solos 19-22). The 1995 additions used the composition method from 1971 and excerpts from the same text.

There is Singularly Nothing has no clear beginning or ending, a concept often identified as Open Form. The series of separately composed solos have never been expected to be performed complete. Instead, a typical performance contains a limited number of solos (performed simultaneously or separately as solos). The April 13 performance will include four singers and a 6-member ensemble.