Emilis Melngailis

Emilis Jūlijs Melngailis (born 15 February 1874 in Igate, died 20 December 1954 in Riga, buried in Riga Forest Cemetery) 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. E. 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.