Mertens, Joseph

1834-

Flemish violinist and dramatic composer; was born in Antwerp, where he became first violin at the opera, and teacher of violin at the local conservatory. Between 1878 and 1879 he conducted the Flemish Opera in Brussels. Some of his one-act operas which proved popular are De zwarte Capitan; Les trois etudiants; L' egoiste; De Vergissing and De yriger. Besides these he wrote some instrumental music, some romances and sacred choruses.