Wieland had a hard time taming me

Leonie Rysanek in conversation with Opernwelt [1981]

Leonie Rysanek as Sieglinde, Bayreuth 1965

Was Bayreuth something of a dream destination for the twenty-four-year-old soprano at the time, Ms. Rysanek?

I only knew Bayreuth by name. I was too young and, to be honest, I didn't really warm to Wagner at the beginning of my career. My inclinations were actually more towards Italian music. The only Wagner role…