Emīls Melngailis

Emilis Jūlijs Melngailis (15 February 1874 – 20 December 1954) was a Latvian composer, folklorist, and a master of choral songs. He was an organizer and chief conductor of Latvian Song and Dance Festival several times. He wrote 53 original songs for a cappella choir, and finished numerous national folk songs.

Melngailis was also a good chess player and participated in the leadership of Latvian Chess federation. His son Tenis was one of the best Latvian chess players in his time.

Read more about this composer on Wikipedia.