1. Josef Bratfisch (continued)

In 1884 the Schrammels appeared in another event that Josef organized, the "International Prize Yodeling Competition." He subsequently performed with the Shrammels and with other music hall stars.

The Shrammels were often invited to perform for Prince Rudolf at Schloss Orth, a 16th-century castle at Orth an der Donau, about 30 km east of Vienna, which Rudolf used as a hunting lodge. About 1886 the Shrammels brought Josef to Schloss Orth and introduced him to Rudolf.

"He was intended to be a surprise for the Crown Prince, and it worked," wrote Josef's stepdaughter Antonia. "The Crown Prince was delighted by my father's singing and his unassuming, natural manner. And when he also learned that he was a cab driver, he soon drew him close to him, especially when he learned to appreciate his discretion" (Konhäuser).

Rudolf was addicted to visiting Vienna nightspots so he may already have seen Josef perform. Once, and once only, Crown Princess Stephanie accompanied him on one of his nocturnal expeditions "disguised as a commoner" and in her memoirs "gives a lively account of the hustle and bustle in the cafés chantants and other dubious premises. She could not understand what Rudolf saw in them." (Judtmann 89)

Even if Rudolf had not seen Josef in performance, he certainly must have heard of him. Josef's talent and fame ensured that the Schrammels had no hesitation in introducing him to Rudolf, and they also account for Rudolf's delight in meeting him.