As the story goes... Freddie being a huge fan of opera was at a performance when Monsterrat appeared and performed. He was so taken with her, his people arranged a meeting with her. They hit it off that first night and agreed to make an album together. The lyrics to Barcelona tell of this meeting and his dream of working with her, and if was used at the 92 Barcelona Olympics opening ceremony. They adored each other and were friends until his death. Montserrat was one of the all time greatest operatic Sopranos of all time. She passed away in 2018.

“Sometimes hard to believe this is coming from real human beings.” What a genuinely beautiful and perfect compliment. Thoughtful, worthwhile video. Great job.

Just to make this even more incredulous... The logos at the beginning informs the viewer that this was put together for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. But, Freddie was already ill, and it was unknown if he would be able to perform for the opening ceremonies. Instead, Freddie and Monserrat recorded and released the song in 1988, when Barcelona was introduced as the next Summer Olympic Games. Freddie died about seven months before the Opening Ceremony in Barcelona, but the song was used as the theme for those Olympic Games. At least, that's the story as I always heard it.

What an unbelievable talent Freddie was! I was fortunate to see queen live. He was simply amazing!! R.I.P. Freddie Mercury!!

@user-eh8eg4hp5t

3 жыл бұрын

How blessed you were.

GOOSEBUMPS every time I watch this performance!! 🥲 Talk about love & respect they had for each other!! Montsy (Freddie’s name for her) had Freddie’s voice analyzed & the conclusion was that Freddie is a natural baritone!! Freddie sang mostly near the cusp of baritone & tenor! Freddie was nervous cuz he was concerned about his urge to move around … someone said have you seen an opera star sing? They can’t stop moving either! 😂😂 It was a musical love affair! Do THE GOLDEN BOY & FALLEN PRIEST. ❤️‍🔥

Freddie was very private with his fight with AIDS but she was one of the few people he told that he was dying

If you enjoyed this, they sang another beautiful song, How Can I Go On.

@GinMae

3 жыл бұрын

Yes - this is probably my favorite of their collaborations - although it's hard to choose...

Freddie composed this to fulfill his dream to perform opera and to collaborate with Montserratt.

Yes perfection!!! Freddy's finest moment and I'm so glad his dream of performing with this incredible Spanish goddess came true. He was sick at the time and still able to achieve such greatness

You have to check out "The Golden boy" next. They mix rock, opera and gospel. Incredible

@debramoore7513

3 жыл бұрын

YESSSS - My favorite off the album!

@carloslester

3 жыл бұрын

Te Idol of fredie Mercury os Montserrat Caballé

Beautiful, just beautiful 🔥 r.i.p Freddie and Montserrat. They were outstanding together. Magic!

RIP Freddie and Montserrat! Great voices!!!

More of these 2, how can i go on is amazing

He's incredible! Her voice is "butter"! Smooth, clear, phenomenal! Together? Unbelievable!

Montserrat Caballé was an outstanding opera singer. And she always makes me smile when I see her. And she was funny, too. Even as a child I loved to see her perform in those big TV shows. I remember when she and her daughter performed together "A duet for 2 cats". I'm a huge cat fan and I loved it. But I won't recommend it to react to because it's "special" and not everybody will love it.

@GinMae

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Lamm - I never knew of Montserrat until her collaboration with Freddie -- I will look this up!

@jadem694

3 жыл бұрын

Montse's voice lost a lot of its tonal quality as she got older (which considering how much she used her instrument is very understandable). Even after it diminished, she still sounded better than 99% of other sopranos and singers in general. She really was an outstanding person

Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran (the pianist and conductor here) wrote Barcelona. Your comments/reaction match my exceptionally high appreciation.of the work of these musicians. Thank you for touching my heart as Freddie and Montserrat Caballe' did.

If only Freddie could see how his musical art is a gift that will last for 100 generations or more. It so warms my heart to see young people who otherwise would never be exposed to the great Freddie and Montserrat in a pop opera. But today's children (thanks to platforms like youtube) can enjoy and love the wonderful gift Freddie and Queen left them. I am so heart warmed to see so many of them try to cover his music.

....and not wishing to forget the wonderful Montserrat....miss you too lovely lady

The sdly late Montserrat Caballe(pronounced Caball-Yay, I understand ,for your information)was/is considered by many to be one of the greatest Opera "Diva's"(I use the term in it's original meaning here) of all time. Even today there are few who can match both the purity of her notes and her incredible vocal control. Freddie, with a little know passion for opera, was a devoted fan ever snce he first heard her sing, the female role in a performance with Luciano Pavaraotti at Covent Garden Opera House in London, late1983. He was obssesed and determined to meet her, so apparently his management team reached out to hers and eventually a meeting was agreed to take place in Barcelona, where she had been born and lived most of her life. As the date of the meeting drew closer Freddie, by then already a global rock music star, became increasingly nervous, fretting that she may actually, not like him as a person. Immediately prior to her arrival he was pacing up and down the designated meeting room, like a caged animal. Of course he had no knowledge of her warm, generous nature, her open-mindedness, or her interest even passion, for all forms of music. Within minutes of that first meeting an undeniably strong chemistry became apparent, the meeting lasting far longer than the original desiganted time span. An unlikely but devoted friendship developed quickly between the two musical giants, bound together by their shared passion for music. Freddie with his music maestro Mike Moran actually wrote the duet "Barcelona"as a tribute and homage to the Diva, being born and having lived there most of her life. The third powerful reason was that t was also where they had first actually met. When she first heard a tape of the recording in which Freddie sang both parts, she immediately wnted to sing the female role. So rehersals had to be scheduled. Apparently early on in the rehersals, Montserrat asked Freddie almost sharply, " What's the matter...? Why do you only want to sing one song with me....?" Freddie stared at her dumbfounded as she continued imperiously, "How man y songs are there in a rock music album anyway...?" er.... 10 or so....usually...", was his mumbled reply. She responded, still somewhat imperiously, "Fine...! So we will sing 10 songs then. Freddie just stared at her still unable to accpet that she actually wanted to sing with him and the idea for the album, "Barcelona" was born...! When people first heard of their proposed collaboration, the idea was treated with scepticism and derision by most. Pavarotti himself actually accused Montserrat of betraying her "Operatic Heitage". To combine Opera with Rock Music, was not only improbable, but impossible, was the opinion of many. It would debase even defile the "purity" of opera as a music genre.. Yet Freddie and Montsrreat were steadfast and determined to proceed with their project. The first public performance of the powerful duet, took place at the prestigious "Ku Club" on the island of Ibiza in 1987. It was instantly received with wild, rapturous acclaim. Freddie and Montserrat had done the "impossible" combining Opera and Rock in a powerful yet elegant duet.. They had not just succeded, they had supersceded even the most optimistic hopes, majestically, decisively silencing their detractors forever...Subsequnetly a few months later the duo were approcahed by the organising comittee ormulating a bid for Barcelona to host the 1993 Summer Olympics who wanted permission to use this triumphant duet as centerpiece of their bid. Montserrat and Freddie immediately and enthusiastically agreed. and the bid was ultimately successful. .

Omg, I was just putting a message in your last reaction to check out Freddie and Monsterrat, and this notification popped up. Yay

They did an entire album together, of which this song is the title track. Every single song on that album is magnificent. The Golden Boy and La Japonaise are my favourites, but they are all beautiful

@aimlessbauer9082

3 жыл бұрын

My favorites are Guide Me Home and Ensueno.

@lillylee7658

3 жыл бұрын

@@aimlessbauer9082 Yes! Oh! And How Can I Go On.

@aimlessbauer9082

3 жыл бұрын

@@lillylee7658 Guide Me Home is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. The lyrics, the music, and the voices!

@janettesinclair6279

2 жыл бұрын

Guide me Home and La Japonaise - love these. In fact love all the album.

One of the most beautiful duets ever sung... they had such great appreciation for each other that their emotional input was palpable!!!

This is such a powerful song, the voices are amazing. Thank you for your excellent reaction to this beautiful performance.

her smile is just so beautiful

I would recommend Freddie's Exercises in Free Love...he recorded it as sort of a demo for her for the song he wrote for them to do it together, which they did , called Enseuno.. there is a translation of the lyrics which is incredibly beautiful.

Check out "Exercises in free love" Freddie recorded a demo for Montserrat SINGING HER PART!!!

@GinMae

3 жыл бұрын

YES! and then it became "Ensueno" on the album - with her beautiful soprano, and Freddie singing baritone - outstanding!

@fionaharrison7033

3 жыл бұрын

I Di,nt know that can it be found on u tube, many thanks x

@GinMae

3 жыл бұрын

@@fionaharrison7033 Hey, Fiona - EVERYTHING is on KZread, now - lol

I play guitar and piano and would give it all up to be able to sing . This was just beautiful

Moin aus Hamburg or Greeting from Hamburg (Germany) Every time I see the video of the two of them, I get goose bumps. It's just great.

Mon...sur...rat ka...bye...yay

A masterpiece!

I never get tired of this one!

@RadCenter

3 жыл бұрын

It's always a challenge to perform with a large group outside like this, because it's hard for everybody to stay in synch, given the acoustic challenges of the space. PS opera stars are known for being divas, but Freddie was the bigger diva in this performance!

I have been watching a lot of reactions to this song...all mention Freddy, most mention Montserrat, some mention the harmonies/vocals, YOU are the only one who has discussed the production as a whole...giving credit to the symphony as well!! Thank you for that!! If they hadn't nailed their parts, it wouldn't have mattered how great Freddie and Montserrat were. You are right: Perfection!!!

Thank you for checking this out. One of my all time favorite performances!

Awesome.

Wow. What can you say goosebumps. It's one of the best videos I've seen in a long time.

Now,that's some video!!!! I'm getting goose bumps. Probably the best performance and staged show I've ever seen

Freddy recalled this performance as basically his one Chance to go completely "Fan Boy". He was so honored to accompany such operatic royalty as Monsterrat!

Wow, enjoyed Watching this again for the nth time with this reaction. 🤗💫

This always makes me cry. I only found out about this song through a reaction video so thank you guys for your hard work. Keep it up! : )

Songs ,,Guide me Home" and ,,La Japonaise" are amazing too.

Loved your review of this video and song. Sheer perfection all the way around.

This is just plain magic! ❤️

You have to know how talented Freddie was. Who else could mix opera with soul. We in the U.K. know and gifted with Freddy a Asian guy who came to the U.K. after being highly educated and gave us so much. Freddie we love you and miss you.

One thing you said captured me. I'm a big opera fan, and what you said about how "this is coming from other humam beings"...reminded me of a night when I came home from the Hollywood Bowl. The la ballet was performing, and i was in a friend's box close enough to the stage to hear the toe shoes clump the floor boards. I loved it and when I got home I called a friend who was a Seinfeld writer to raphosized about how beatiful the evening was. He said "don't you think we look for this stuff because we all know we're nothing and going to die?" Because of course he was a comedy writer. And I said no. It's becsuse all of us are amazed at what human beings can do. .

One of the best reactions i've seen. The level of understanding and appreciation for what it takes to put on a performance like this is commendable. This guy knows and appreciates music. Take notice guys 👏👏👏

they adored each other, when he passed she was heartbroken. her interview after his death just broke my heart.

As soon as she started singing, I knew it was over.

Appreciate you Expounding on Everything it took to Create a Performance like that ...so True

Great reaction and commentary

Amazing back story (of both of them meeting), stunning writing, spectacular performance, beautiful, fascinating home city of 'Montsy'.

AMEN about Perfection!!! Spot On!

Two angels singing in heaven now We have lost two treasures 🌹❤️🌹

Epic song, brilliant performances, loved this when I was a kid

loved watching your reactions

Montserrat had a very soft, pearly voice, she was rather unique among opera singer too. She was one of the top sopranos and noone really above her. This type of rock and opera comming together hasn't happened since those years in the 80 and 90s. I don't know if we have opera singer like her generation today, it requires dedication and all kinds of efforts from those around them for years and years. I don't think society gives opera this much attention at the moment. There are lots of good singers though, so nothing to worry about.

thanks, Wilburn! I appreciate your appreciation! those two were, as you said, "Perfection" - they were totally in love, and it showed... I cannot add much to what has been said below... look forward to your reactions to more of their brilliant collaborations.. we had those two for such a short time on this earth -

Thank you so much for letting us enjoy this wonder without constant jabbering interruptions!! ❤

I love this song. I love this performance. And this is the best reaction video to it that I have seen. Thank you.

Authentic reaction combined with intelligence, bravo!

They became great friends, she was also the only singer at his funeral.

Awesome...! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤷🏻‍♂️

I was there. I am still shocked. Thanks for your reaction from Barcelona ¡¡¡¡¡¡

Amigos, y dúo increíble the best

Appreciate your review 🌸 New follower.🤩

Thanks brother Awesome stuff

Enjoyed your reaction.

Both singing together in Heaven

You got it spot on, they are both incredible, but, he wrote the song for her, it’s the story about how much he admired for and how they met, it was chosen later as the song for the Olympics, he was already very I’ll when this concert was recorded

Enjoy your reviews you share great insights from you perspective great job.

Well said, my friend. There is perfection out there and your pretty good yourself, from a 1st time watcher. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✌️

For perfection try listening to Montserrat Caballe singing Casta Diva from the opera Norma at the Theatre antique d’Orange in 1974. No microphones, in an open air arena, singing into a strong head wind. She was a legend in opera for very good reason.

Watch Freddy Queens live aid performance he stole the show

Nice reaction, authentic for a change.

God him self stop s and listen to this masterpiece...i ve listen to this manny times over the years ,and every time i have goosepompes...😢😢😢😢😢😢👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

They had an amazing love and connection together now in heaven the angelic relms now Rock

They made an whole album together! My fav. track on the record is "The Golden Boy". You should check it out next!

Love that u sat there an enjoyed it fully instead of stop start stop starting a song like others do

❤❤❤❤❤ genios!!!!!!!!!!!!

If only AIDS had not taken the beautiful Freddie away from us....just imagine the amazing music and performances we would have enjoyed....LOVE YOU ALWAYS FREDDIE xxxx

Incredible! I still love and miss you Freddie. RIP Freddie and Montserrat.

Her name is pronounced “Mont-ser-raht” “Cah-bah-yay”. Freddie said he thought she was the greatest singer he had ever heard. 🙂

anything Freddie sang= goosebumps.

The two became good friends and frequently met up to spend time together. Every time they did so she would beg him to do an opera album but always declined because he felt his diehard Queen fans would feel betrayed

Tune!!!

this was the "perfect" reaction

Amazing .🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

😊👍💗

Monserrat is the last diva of opera. I heard her in Peris in85 with 18 years old

Spetecular…..woaw, and superb react…….pleas react to How can I go on from the same album, they was so in love with each outher, see her face in the vid I ask you to react on omg, this was in -89, and saw so strong and alive, but only to years to go 🥺 they was magnificent ❤️

Another great collaboration is Bono and the band Clanad. The song is called: In a Lifetime It's one of Bono's strongest vocal performances he's ever done...

For me, I can think of only one other performer, and just one performance of his in particular, who came close to holding and enthralling a crowed like Freddie did during a concert. That was Peter Gabriel at the Amnesty International benefit concert at Giant Stadium in June of 1986. In particular his closing performance of "Biko." m.kzread.info/dash/bejne/X4CrxLWeitufaZM.html

"Mon-sir-aht Kah-bah-yeh"

Such a great song and reaction! Please check out some music by twenty one pilots. I recommend their songs Shy Away or Redecorate from their new album

I love your reactions to Queen. I would like to make a request - White Queen (A Night At The Odeon - Hammersmith 1975). One of the most beautiful songs ever! You won't be disappointed.

me ha gustado mucho tu reacción, eran los mas grandes en la musica, pero te quiero recomendar a una cantante que veo que no has reaccionado a ella, era muy amiga de MONTSERRAT CABALLE, se llama, MONICA NARANJO, a ver si te gusta la canción "EUROPA LIVE", creo que te gustara, un saludo

Freddy out of his league on this one.

Her name is pronounced Mahn-ser-AHT Cah-bah-YEA. (The double ll in Spanish is pronounced like a 'y'.)

Iagree with houndrad procent!

Check out Paul Simon {the legend] 50 Ways to leave your lover. Smooth.

Plis, react "How can I go on" Freddy Mercury 🙌