Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / This dissertation introduces the solo songs of two major Finnish composers, Toivo Kuula and Leevi Madetoja, and their position in Finland's living tradition of song. That this last may be understood, a survey of the song in Finnish history has been made. Of the many composers who have made significant contributions to modern Finnish solo song literature, Toivo Kuula and Leevi Madetoja have been chosen because their lives were parallel in many respects. They were both born in the same geographic area, Ostrobotbnia, Kuula in 1883 and Madetoja in 1887. They both studied in France at the beginning of this century and were influenced to some extent by French impressionism, and through the years their lives and music had many points of contact. This study begins with an overview of the lives and styles of the two composers. This is followed by a review of Finnish history and literature, a knowledge of which will give the reader more understanding of the development and significance of the country's music. The information concerning Finnish history and literature has been taken largely from secondary Finnish sources, many of which have not previously been available in English translation. For the study of the music, all of the songs were obtained fran the library of the Sibelius Academy in Finland and from private sources [TRUNCATED] / 2031-01-01