Montserrat Caballe was a very famous Spanish soprano. Freddie loved her voice. He wrote Barcelona along with other songs that they did together. Barcelona was used as part of the Opening Ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. You have to admit Freddie does a great job holding his own against a trained opera singer., and their voices meld together wonderfully. You should also do Golden Boy, Freddie’s fusion of opera to rock/soul/gospel,
Freddie was so much more than a simple rock singer with a wide vocal range. It was his dream to collaborate with Montserrat who was one of the greatest sopranos. Freddie and his friend Mike Moran have composed a whole duet album. She really loved Freddie's ideas and they became good friends, too. This was the first crossover between a rock star and an opera diva in the history.
Montserrat was Freddie's favorite Opera singer. She was the number 1 operatic soprano in the world. Freddie said in an interview he would love for her to do one of his songs. Her people called his people and she said "Let's do it." She loved Freddie as a singer and the idea of an opera singer with a rock singer had never been done before. So Freddie met her and presented her with a song. She said, Just one? how many songs are on a usual rock record. Freddie said about 10 and she said then we will do 10. So Freddie had to get busy writing, not really knowing if he could do it or not. The album Barcelona is fantastic and the two of them became very dear friends all the way until Freddie's death.
Freddie would be DELIGHTED to hear your admiration for Montserrat. He wrote songs with the intention of showcasing her amazing talent. :) They had a very sweet friendship. If you watch interviews with them around this time, it's just pure pure joy between them... they shared a LOVE of music.
Freddie made 2 solo albums. The first was Mr. Bad Guy and the second was Barcelona, which he recorded with Montserrat Caballé. The song Barcelona was made to be an opening for the 1992 Olympics. Sadly Freddie died in 1991 and he couldn't see the Olympics.
Yes please, Exercises in Free love, remembering that it was a demo that Freddie sung to show Montserrat what he wanted for the song that became Ensueño, my favourite on the album!
Agree!! Just to let our Reactor know: because Freddie & Monserrat were often in different parts of the world performing, Freddie would send her demos where he would sing/vocalize the song as she would sing it. That way she could learn the song/melidy and be ready to record when they both had time to be in the studio together. EXERCISES IN FREE LOVE will absolutely astound you!!! 😊
Great reaction! Montserrat Caballe is known was one of the best opera sopranos of all time. Freddie loved her voice, it was a dream collaboration for him to sing with her. They did a whole album together, check out The Golden Boy at La Nit 1988- Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe it is one of their best. Freddie actually helped to compose all of this music, he even sang some of Montserrat's parts for her, check out Exercises In Free Love - Freddie Mercury, where he mimics her voice. Opera singers are the best singers they receive formal training from a young age, and they usually keep on training right through their lives. Opera is about vocal precision.
Excersises of free love. I haven't seen anything to suggest he was considering her when he did this. As far as I know no meeting haf been suggested when he recorded it. Mike said it was just a random improve for b side of great pretender thinking it would be funny to pretend to be a saprono. When they did meet he thought it would be a good ice braker. He was still doing his solo album when they met
Opera is like theater - the actors sing and act! As far as I know he sent a tape with Exercises of free love - where he doesn't mimic - but simply sings the whole thing. He was very ill when the album was finished and only made one concert. The rest of their performances is play back.
@@anne-mariesindruprix4792 yes so is a musical but an opera is different as it is a different type of singing,discipline, style... their album wasn't a rock opera ... but she is a trained soprano and sings as she would in an opera... I don't know why everyone has got confused with then repeat the story about EIFL. he recorded it for the B side of The Great pretender thinking it would be funny to pretend to be a saprano,he often did improve on tour EIFL had nothing to do with her when it was recorded. it was performed for her when they met as an ice braker mike played piano and Freddie sang as he had on the single. there had been no discussion about working together they were simply meeting each other Freddie was working on his solo album he had not agreed to meet her with any intention of working with her at that time. she thought it was a gift to her....performed it at covent garden with mike but as a surprise for freddie had written lyrics ...he was still doing his solo but wrote Barcalona...found out he had AIDS and told her.she had wanted to do an album with him he ended up putting his solo to one side and did an album with her
@@bluebell3720 Have I offended you?? - The other members of Queen was lying about Freddies condition - maybe others did as well. I don't know the truth about everything, as I guess you don't either, But I do know a bit about opera and musicals - it is not only about the voices and the style of singing - but also the whole structure of the music. Most operas is old btw. -- at least the classics. - but I won't bore you with that -
He was already sick. 1987. She was one of the few that knew. He was so thrilled that she wanted to sing with him. She adored him. She felt so free singing his music.
LOL when your neighbor let you know it was loud. 🤣 The only party (and I had more than a couple) I ever had busted by the cops was an opera party I had. It brought back fond memories. 😝 Another song of Freddie & Montsy's you should react to is Golden Boy. It has elements of rock, gospel, jazz, classical & opera. Try to wrap your head around that. 😁
She was Freddie's favorite opera singer...he was a huge opera and ballet fan. Freddie wrote the song and it was the song used to own the Olympics in Barcelona.
OMG - your reactions always make me smile. The Rock God and the Opera Diva - they each held their own beautifully in my opinion. (Although I'm with you on the moustache - I miss it here!) The way I look at it - he couldn't do what she does (world famous soprano) and she couldn't do what he does (best male rock vocalist/composer in history), but they were a match made in musical heaven.
Now you need to watch How can I go on! Freddie absolutely adored her and together they crossed music barriers in a way that had never been done before.
I wouldn't say she outshines him as much as the song was tailor-made with their specific strengths in mind and had slots to let them each shine. He had been a fan of hers for quite some time and the interviews she did from after this until she passed away make it clear that the feeling fast became mutual. They almost certainly would have worked on more than that one album together if he had more time.
Someday being able to sing with one of the greatest Montserrat Caballe' was on Freddie's bucket list. He admired and adored her ,he would never outshine her even if he could. As always loved watching you!
Freddie can do everything ie., songwriting, vocals, musician, graphic arts/design, athlete (was a boxer at boarding school) sports …. And to add to this extraordinary human being? Writing songs for an album of duets with his favorite Opera Superstar Montserrat Caballe’. My favorite off the album is 👉 THE GOLDEN BOY 👈 🏆
there were two divas on that stage... and the fact that Montserrat had the vocal power not to be drowned out by Freddie's is one of the things why Freddie idolized her so much :P they were forces of nature
Yeah- we liked it too. They actually loved one another... pure, too- no sex, no jealousy, just mutual help to explore music's possibilities. To pronounce: think Mount Sir Rat Caw Bah Yay. Peace from Canada.
She does outshine him a bit as you said because she is a classically trained operatic soprano. But it's ok - Freddie gets in there. They sound amazing together. Freddie loved her to pieces & she loved him right back. His 2nd 'solo' album away from Queen is all duets with Montserrat! Songs written by him (& Mike Moran) for the purpose of joining their two voices. It's actually quite a magical listen.
the entire album is a series of duets not a singing contest.... it was the first time a classically trained vocalist combine with a pop vocalist on an album...Freddie loved all types of music and he loved grand opera Caballe was a major Opera Diva in her day...one of my all time favourite classically trained female voices... what many people dont realize is that many pop singers have a classical training behind them....check out other similar recording like Pavaroti and Sting... and the Duo of Jonathan & Charlotte (from Britian's got talent)....to a true musican music is music in all of it's styles and forms............as my first music teacher taught me ... "Music the voice of the soul:
Montserrat Caballé was a Spanish operatic soprano. Freddie was very fond of opera and was a big fan of Montserrat Caballé. He had always had a dream of combining rock and opera (i.e Bohemian Rhapsody). In 1986, while preparing for his 2nd solo album, he told his manager that he would love to record a song alongside a Spanish opera singer he considered “the best in the world", Montserrat Caballé. A meeting was set up and Freddie arrived with a demo recording of a song he had prepared for her called “Exercises In Free Love.” She loved the song and asked if she could sing it the following week at Covent Gardens. Freddie and Montserrat hit it off splendidly. He had been very nervous but she put him at ease immediately. "“She jokes and she swears and she doesn’t take herself too seriously,” said Freddie. “That really thrilled and surprised me, because up until then I had been laboring under the illusion that all great opera singers were stern, aloof, and quite intimidating." It turned out, she was a fan of him and Queen. She wanted not only to record a song but wanted to do an entire album. Freddie was thrilled (and sort of panicked, too). Later he admitted that all he thought of when she said that was that he was going to have to get really busy writing some songs for the album. Freddie had never had any formal singing lessons. He had piano lessons beginning when he was 7- yr-old for about 4 or 5 years but that was it. Montserrat gave him some singing tips and was the first person to inform him that he wasn't a tenor ( the range that he usually sang in) but he was actually a baritone. She attempted to get him to sing their song in baritone but Freddie refused. "No, no, my fans only know me as a rock singer and they will not recognize my voice if I sing in baritone." BTW - This song became the theme for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Sadly, Freddie had passed away in November of 1991 and never knew this.
Pls know, She Is Not Out-Singing Freddie Mercury!!! They are each being ultra professional in their specific genre. Thus this is a wonderful piece of art. It's so great cause Diva Montserrat and Legend Rock singer Freddie stayed in their respective lanes to give us a Solid Masterpiece. Where/how do you see she 'out-performed', cause her soprano was piercing. She held to her operatic genre, he held to his genre...harmonizing also. That's the outstanding wonder of the collaboration.
Love Queen,Love Freddie,love this song and all Queen Freddie stuff,but loved when you apologized to your neighbors above about how loud your sound was,good man.
If you wanna hear Freddie Mercury sing opera ( yes, actual opera ) you have to check out the song "exercises in free love". That song really shows how good he was and showcases his vocal range. Another great song by these 2 is "How can i go on", Freddie sang even better in that one and ( in my opinion ) even outsang Montserrat at certain points.
Yup. we called it 'Rock Opera' back then. there was even a 'stream of consciousness' strip that ran in Heavy Metal magazine from 1981-1988, by Rod Kierkegaard Jr, called after the genre.
which of today's "rock/anything else" singers can come close and be able to compose something like that? Who would have the courage? That is / was courage / creativity. Too bad something died with him that you will never get back.
I bet that Freddie would be just fine with you saying that Montserrat stole the show. After all, he thought she was the best singer in the world and he, along with Mike Moran (the conductor with the long, curly hair), for Montserrat to show case her abilities and to spread the beauty of opera to audiences who might not be familiar with it. The entire Barcelona album is a masterpiece. It would be great if you also reacted to the other singles released from the album with both Freddie and Montserrat: The Golden Boy and How Can I Go On/Guide Me Home. Thanks for doing this reaction!
Freddie, by removing his moustache and dressing in that fashion, was showing respect for, Montserrat Caballe. I love opera and was therefore concerned when Freddie sang with this magnificent Soprano. However, it worked; for me anyway.
Monstsy apparently did say to Freddie that she thought he would make it to the 1992 Olympics opening in Barcelona ... Freddie just said ''if God is willing'' He died Nov1991 😪
Of course Montserrat stole the show. She was a world class opera singer with decades of professional training and performances to her credit. And he loved her for it. Freddie did very well to keep up with her. I expect he’d have liked to have an operatic career. Goosebumps. Again. Brian May conducting!
Fred in an interview said she was the beautiful singer in the world. She heard the interview and called him. He was intimated a bit by her. See interview with Mike Moran on this subject.
I love Freddy for real. But "La Superba" could've sing him down. She was trained singing since she was 3 years old. Her breath technique and the floating pianissimo even in the highest pitch was just stunning and a result of years of really hard work. Together they created this remarkable piece of music. A gift from heaven. May they rest in peace. And sing together forever. "Friends until the end. VIVA!"
i love Freddie Mercury, really big fan of him, but my friend even this is not competition the beauty of this is who they match together but Montserrat is at least 2 or 3 steps up from Freddie. The major merit is just to be able to sing beside her and don't look as a begginer. Great Perfomance
He never made it to openings of olympic games in Barcelona , where they were soposed to sing that song together. Freddie didnt make it. 2 "divas" one in opera one in rock, singing together and loving it. One to go readymake skene, one to make that skene when entering, quess who is who. 😎 By the way, you are first I found reacting those singers together, I like it. When music is good , doesent matter if it`s your own style kind of? what you think?
This was amazing but you need to see Pavarotti and James Brown is equal like this. Barcelona was a song for the olimpiad of barcelona 92. Salutations good reaction .
CASH, PLEASE SURE YOU HAVE ON YOUR LIST: "EXERCISES IN FREE LOVE" AND "ENSUENO" ("Exercises In Free Love" s/b audio only; the BEST version has a pic showing Freddie WITH moustache sitting in a tuxedo... There's a fan-made video floating around, but it's HORRIBLE! "Ensueno" doesn't have any official video either; it's either audio only or there's a nice fan-made video)
Whilst your criticism of Freddie's apperance sans famous moustache and wearing a tuxedo, may be understandable, it was part of a conscious attempt on his part, to tone down his previous exuberance on stage, to be more in keeping with Montserrat's more traditiional even conservative appearance and he worried about this, not wanting to cheapen the performance. As he went on stage for the first performnace of the now legendary piece, Mike Moran his musical maestro whispered to Freddie that she was after all, a great Operatic Diva...! When she sang the first notes, Pow..!! Freddie suddenly realised that he would have to ramp up his intended performance to keep up with her! Their first public performance was at the prestigious "Ku Club" on the island of Ibiza and was greeted with instant rapturous acclaim, forever silencing the numerous critics who were sceptical even derisory, about the improbable pairing of a global rock superstar and a Soprano considered by many to be one of the greatest of all time. Theirs was a devoted friendship based on a shared passion for music and a flair for the dramatic. Freddie together with Mike Moran actually composed "Barcelona" as a tribute and homage to Montserrat, being not only where she had been born, but also her hometown. It was also the venue for thier first actual meeting, from which their mutual admiration of each other's talent was to develop into a life long deep friendship, so it was of triple significance for her. Subsequently they were asked by the organising comittee in charge of the bid by the city, to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, for permission to use the piece as centerpoint to their proposed bid.. Both immediately and enthusiastically agreed. The bid was successful. Perhaps the most over the top performance was at the "La Nit" Centro de Cultura in Barcelona in Octobeer 1988, as part of the lavish and joyous celebrations to officially welcome the "Olympic Flag" to the city. The performance features operatic standard backing singers, full symphony orchestra, floodlit fountains and fireworks, yet totally compliments the gigantic talents of these two musical legends, in no way overshadowing them. (it is available to see here on RUclips. Barcelona went on to become not only the "Official Anthem" of the city for the games but an international chart topping hit as well. Sadly both have now passed of course, but thanks to technology we are still able to enjoy, even thrill at this immortal moment of pure "Musical Magic" Freddie once told "Montsy" his affectionate nickname for her that, She...Was Music...and that Music knows no barrier of age..!! How true this is, 37 YEARS after first being staged...!! " VIVA, BARCELONA...!!!".
You said you didn't like him in a suit and bow tie. This is the attire worn at opera concerts always, I expect he wanted to look the part for something he'd always wanted to do. The moustache too had to go. He was feeling the effects of AIDs here so they were both lip syncing as Freddie thought he wouldn't be strong enough to do the theatrics and sing, just before the concert it was decided to lip sync...
Ellos sentían un mutuo respeto y admiración por el otro, no es una competencia, si no que se complementaban para lograr este prodigio que es Barcelona, deberías ampliar tu conocimiento musical y no quedarte por si el bigote de Freddie afecta su desempeño artístico...
SORRY❤THE ORIGINAL UPLOAD WAS MESSED UP
Montserrat Caballe was a very famous Spanish soprano. Freddie loved her voice. He wrote Barcelona along with other songs that they did together. Barcelona was used as part of the Opening Ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. You have to admit Freddie does a great job holding his own against a trained opera singer., and their voices meld together wonderfully. You should also do Golden Boy, Freddie’s fusion of opera to rock/soul/gospel,
Also react to How Can I Go On by the two of them.
@@ursabobsage351 That's my favourite!
That's opera!
She not out shining Freddy the lady sings opera..Let's not be an ass hole..You must don't know your music..
Freddie was so much more than a simple rock singer with a wide vocal range. It was his dream to collaborate with Montserrat who was one of the greatest sopranos. Freddie and his friend Mike Moran have composed a whole duet album. She really loved Freddie's ideas and they became good friends, too. This was the first crossover between a rock star and an opera diva in the history.
It's Opera, baby. Touches the soul and Freddie absolutely loved it and her.
First ever opera cross over.
So glad they got to do this
They had so much love and respect for each other
Montserrat was Freddie's favorite Opera singer. She was the number 1 operatic soprano in the world. Freddie said in an interview he would love for her to do one of his songs. Her people called his people and she said "Let's do it." She loved Freddie as a singer and the idea of an opera singer with a rock singer had never been done before. So Freddie met her and presented her with a song. She said, Just one? how many songs are on a usual rock record. Freddie said about 10 and she said then we will do 10. So Freddie had to get busy writing, not really knowing if he could do it or not. The album Barcelona is fantastic and the two of them became very dear friends all the way until Freddie's death.
She was a fabulous singer and the energy between them was incredible. Freddie definitely brought out the very best of her :)
Freddie would be DELIGHTED to hear your admiration for Montserrat. He wrote songs with the intention of showcasing her amazing talent. :) They had a very sweet friendship. If you watch interviews with them around this time, it's just pure pure joy between them... they shared a LOVE of music.
Brilliant Duo & Beautiful..💖💕
Freddie made 2 solo albums. The first was Mr. Bad Guy and the second was Barcelona, which he recorded with Montserrat Caballé. The song Barcelona was made to be an opening for the 1992 Olympics. Sadly Freddie died in 1991 and he couldn't see the Olympics.
Freddie LOVED MONSERRAT! It wasn’t a competition.
You should hear Ensueno and Freddie's demo for the song, it's called exercises in free love which Freddie sings it all in falsetto
Yes please, Exercises in Free love, remembering that it was a demo that Freddie sung to show Montserrat what he wanted for the song that became Ensueño, my favourite on the album!
Agree!! Just to let our Reactor know: because Freddie & Monserrat were often in different parts of the world performing, Freddie would send her demos where he would sing/vocalize the song as she would sing it. That way she could learn the song/melidy and be ready to record when they both had time to be in the studio together. EXERCISES IN FREE LOVE will absolutely astound you!!! 😊
Great reaction! Montserrat Caballe is known was one of the best opera sopranos of all time. Freddie loved her voice, it was a dream collaboration for him to sing with her. They did a whole album together, check out The Golden Boy at La Nit 1988- Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe it is one of their best. Freddie actually helped to compose all of this music, he even sang some of Montserrat's parts for her, check out Exercises In Free Love - Freddie Mercury, where he mimics her voice. Opera singers are the best singers they receive formal training from a young age, and they usually keep on training right through their lives. Opera is about vocal precision.
Excersises of free love.
I haven't seen anything to suggest he was considering her when he did this.
As far as I know no meeting haf been suggested when he recorded it.
Mike said it was just a random improve for b side of great pretender thinking it would be funny to pretend to be a saprono.
When they did meet he thought it would be a good ice braker.
He was still doing his solo album when they met
Opera is like theater - the actors sing and act! As far as I know he sent a tape with Exercises of free love - where he doesn't mimic - but simply sings the whole thing. He was very ill when the album was finished and only made one concert. The rest of their performances is play back.
@@anne-mariesindruprix4792
yes so is a musical but an opera is different as it is a different type of singing,discipline, style...
their album wasn't a rock opera ...
but she is a trained soprano and sings as she would in an opera...
I don't know why everyone has got confused with then repeat the story about EIFL.
he recorded it for the B side of The Great pretender thinking it would be funny to pretend to be a saprano,he often did improve on tour
EIFL had nothing to do with her when it was recorded.
it was performed for her when they met as an ice braker mike played piano and Freddie sang as he had on the single.
there had been no discussion about working together they were simply meeting each other
Freddie was working on his solo album he had not agreed to meet her with any intention of working with her at that time.
she thought it was a gift to her....performed it at covent garden with mike but as a surprise for freddie had written lyrics
...he was still doing his solo but wrote Barcalona...found out he had AIDS and told her.she had wanted to do an album with him he ended up putting his solo to one side and did an album with her
@@bluebell3720 Have I offended you?? - The other members of Queen was lying about Freddies condition - maybe others did as well. I don't know the truth about everything, as I guess you don't either, But I do know a bit about opera and musicals - it is not only about the voices and the style of singing - but also the whole structure of the music. Most operas is old btw. -- at least the classics. - but I won't bore you with that -
I love opera and I love Freddie, so I love this.
Wow 🥰 beautiful Freddie Mercury ❤️ Freddie and Montsy ❤️ what a beautiful collaboration ❤️
They adored each other Freddie loved opera the were the greatest friends until the end a true match made in heaven
When Freddy sings,"the moment that you stepped into the room you took my breath away!" OOOOOO!!!! Be still my heart!!!!!!!
He was already sick. 1987. She was one of the few that knew. He was so thrilled that she wanted to sing with him. She adored him. She felt so free singing his music.
This is so beautiful.
LOL when your neighbor let you know it was loud. 🤣 The only party (and I had more than a couple) I ever had busted by the cops was an opera party I had. It brought back fond memories. 😝
Another song of Freddie & Montsy's you should react to is Golden Boy. It has elements of rock, gospel, jazz, classical & opera. Try to wrap your head around that. 😁
Hysterical!!
I hope you were blasting out Brindisi from La Traviata
Seriously, could they get any more diverse… LEGENDS!!
This wasn't Queen
She was Freddie's favorite opera singer...he was a huge opera and ballet fan. Freddie wrote the song and it was the song used to own the Olympics in Barcelona.
She is one of the greatest operatic sopranos that ever lived! - and he loved her. I agree - you should dive into more of this album.
Love love this. 😍❤️
Freddie and Montse are two of my favorite singers. I cry when I here this. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
These two people loved each other and were very dear dear friends.
Love your reaction. You should check out How Do I Go On. Freddie loved Monty they sounded great
OMG - your reactions always make me smile. The Rock God and the Opera Diva - they each held their own beautifully in my opinion. (Although I'm with you on the moustache - I miss it here!) The way I look at it - he couldn't do what she does (world famous soprano) and she couldn't do what he does (best male rock vocalist/composer in history), but they were a match made in musical heaven.
Now you need to watch How can I go on! Freddie absolutely adored her and together they crossed music barriers in a way that had never been done before.
I wouldn't say she outshines him as much as the song was tailor-made with their specific strengths in mind and had slots to let them each shine.
He had been a fan of hers for quite some time and the interviews she did from after this until she passed away make it clear that the feeling fast became mutual. They almost certainly would have worked on more than that one album together if he had more time.
Someday being able to sing with one of the greatest Montserrat Caballe' was on Freddie's bucket list. He admired and adored her ,he would never outshine her even if he could. As always loved watching you!
Freddie can do everything ie., songwriting, vocals, musician, graphic arts/design, athlete (was a boxer at boarding school) sports …. And to add to this extraordinary human being? Writing songs for an album of duets with his favorite Opera Superstar Montserrat Caballe’. My favorite off the album is 👉 THE GOLDEN BOY 👈 🏆
YES, girl - you and I know! lol
@@GinMae 😘😘 YESSIREE! ❤️🌈 🦋🌷🍃🌸
there were two divas on that stage... and the fact that Montserrat had the vocal power not to be drowned out by Freddie's is one of the things why Freddie idolized her so much :P they were forces of nature
They were friends.This song was writen to Olympic games in Spain 1992.
It was written a bit before the Olympics. They just chose to use it for them. 😊
Been to Barcelona and they play this song all the time!
Just how I felt ❤️
Yeah- we liked it too. They actually loved one another... pure, too- no sex, no jealousy, just mutual help to explore music's possibilities. To pronounce: think Mount Sir Rat Caw Bah Yay. Peace from Canada.
Sublime... junto a su ídolo Montserrat.
She does outshine him a bit as you said because she is a classically trained operatic soprano. But it's ok - Freddie gets in there. They sound amazing together. Freddie loved her to pieces & she loved him right back. His 2nd 'solo' album away from Queen is all duets with Montserrat! Songs written by him (& Mike Moran) for the purpose of joining their two voices. It's actually quite a magical listen.
the entire album is a series of duets not a singing contest.... it was the first time a classically trained vocalist combine with a pop vocalist on an album...Freddie loved all types of music and he loved grand opera Caballe was a major Opera Diva in her day...one of my all time favourite classically trained female voices... what many people dont realize is that many pop singers have a classical training behind them....check out other similar recording like Pavaroti and Sting... and the Duo of Jonathan & Charlotte (from Britian's got talent)....to a true musican music is music in all of it's styles and forms............as my first music teacher taught me ... "Music the voice of the soul:
She was excited as as a 10 year old school girl when she found out a 'Rock Star' wanted her to sing with him. She loved every minute of it & it shows.
Love, love, love your reaction - you looked as though you could hardly beleive what you were seeing and hearing.🎉
Cash, you are priceless! This reaction is great!
You can see how much they loved each other...damn I miss freddie soso much
This was played after Freddie’s death, 92 Olympics at Barcelona. Suggest In the Lap of the Gods @ the Rainbow 🌈
Listen to 'Golden Boy'! It is another great song of them. You will love it. I am sure.
Greetings from Germany.
Just so Beautiful
Montserrat Caballé was a Spanish operatic soprano.
Freddie was very fond of opera and was a big fan of Montserrat Caballé. He had always had a dream of combining rock and opera (i.e Bohemian Rhapsody).
In 1986, while preparing for his 2nd solo album, he told his manager that he would love to record a song alongside a Spanish opera singer he considered “the best in the world", Montserrat Caballé. A meeting was set up and Freddie arrived with a demo recording of a song he had prepared for her called “Exercises In Free Love.” She loved the song and asked if she could sing it the following week at Covent Gardens.
Freddie and Montserrat hit it off splendidly. He had been very nervous but she put him at ease immediately. "“She jokes and she swears and she doesn’t take herself too seriously,” said Freddie. “That really thrilled and surprised me, because up until then I had been laboring under the illusion that all great opera singers were stern, aloof, and quite intimidating."
It turned out, she was a fan of him and Queen. She wanted not only to record a song but wanted to do an entire album. Freddie was thrilled (and sort of panicked, too). Later he admitted that all he thought of when she said that was that he was going to have to get really busy writing some songs for the album.
Freddie had never had any formal singing lessons. He had piano lessons beginning when he was 7- yr-old for about 4 or 5 years but that was it. Montserrat gave him some singing tips and was the first person to inform him that he wasn't a tenor ( the range that he usually sang in) but he was actually a baritone. She attempted to get him to sing their song in baritone but Freddie refused. "No, no, my fans only know me as a rock singer and they will not recognize my voice if I sing in baritone."
BTW - This song became the theme for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Sadly, Freddie had passed away in November of 1991 and never knew this.
Pls know, She Is Not Out-Singing Freddie Mercury!!! They are each being ultra professional in their specific genre. Thus this is a wonderful piece of art. It's so great cause Diva Montserrat and Legend Rock singer Freddie stayed in their respective lanes to give us a Solid Masterpiece. Where/how do you see she 'out-performed', cause her soprano was piercing. She held to her operatic genre, he held to his genre...harmonizing also. That's the outstanding wonder of the collaboration.
Love Queen,Love Freddie,love this song and all Queen Freddie stuff,but loved when you apologized to your neighbors above about how loud your sound was,good man.
If you wanna hear Freddie Mercury sing opera ( yes, actual opera ) you have to check out the song "exercises in free love". That song really shows how good he was and showcases his vocal range. Another great song by these 2 is "How can i go on", Freddie sang even better in that one and ( in my opinion ) even outsang Montserrat at certain points.
Freddie. Freddy calls her Monte a trained soprano opera singer. Freddie loves her and was very happy for the chance to sing with her!
Cracking reaction from you, loved it! 🎉
Freddie's dream was to bring OPERA TO THE MASSES ✌️💯☄️🌠
Yup. we called it 'Rock Opera' back then. there was even a 'stream of consciousness' strip that ran in Heavy Metal magazine from 1981-1988, by Rod Kierkegaard Jr, called after the genre.
Young man your reactions and yourself are a breathe of fresh air ,👍🏾🔥💎🇬🇧
Im happy you like them❤️
You're a rising RUclipsr star 👍🏾💎🇬🇧
which of today's "rock/anything else" singers can come close and be able to compose something like that? Who would have the courage? That is / was courage / creativity. Too bad something died with him that you will never get back.
Hello from Cody Wyoming! You're awesome keep it up🤠
Freddy had stated that she had the most amazing voice he'd ever heard and jumped at the chance to do a duet with her.
Hello from Cody wyoming! You're awesome keep it up😁
It's was amazing, makes me proud to be British ☺
I bet that Freddie would be just fine with you saying that Montserrat stole the show. After all, he thought she was the best singer in the world and he, along with Mike Moran (the conductor with the long, curly hair), for Montserrat to show case her abilities and to spread the beauty of opera to audiences who might not be familiar with it. The entire Barcelona album is a masterpiece. It would be great if you also reacted to the other singles released from the album with both Freddie and Montserrat: The Golden Boy and How Can I Go On/Guide Me Home. Thanks for doing this reaction!
Love your opening sentences!
That was the song he was most proud of.
Freddie, by removing his moustache and dressing in that fashion, was showing respect for, Montserrat Caballe.
I love opera and was therefore concerned when Freddie sang with this magnificent Soprano. However, it worked; for me anyway.
Your reaction is priceless
Monstsy apparently did say to Freddie that she thought he would make it to the 1992 Olympics opening in Barcelona ... Freddie just said ''if God is willing'' He died Nov1991 😪
This isn't a competition.
yes awesome
Legends
Told ya 😉
😎👍
This was written for the opening ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics
Of course Montserrat stole the show. She was a world class opera singer with decades of professional training and performances to her credit. And he loved her for it. Freddie did very well to keep up with her. I expect he’d have liked to have an operatic career. Goosebumps. Again. Brian May conducting!
I believe it was Mike Moran conducting, not Brian, although the hair kind of looks like Brian's.
Fred in an interview said she was the beautiful singer in the world. She heard the interview and called him. He was intimated a bit by her. See interview with Mike Moran on this subject.
I was born to love you. Scandal. It’s a hard life. A winters tale made in heaven. Original version
Pretty amazing, eh? Freddie’s lyrics depict how he felt about meeting her for the first time.
great reaction! i suggest next time you listen or react to these, wear headphones/earphones! they offer a better listening experience
react to the golden boy and how can i go on?
I love Freddy for real. But "La Superba" could've sing him down. She was trained singing since she was 3 years old. Her breath technique and the floating pianissimo even in the highest pitch was just stunning and a result of years of really hard work. Together they created this remarkable piece of music. A gift from heaven.
May they rest in peace. And sing together forever. "Friends until the end. VIVA!"
i love Freddie Mercury, really big fan of him, but my friend even this is not competition the beauty of this is who they match together but Montserrat is at least 2 or 3 steps up from Freddie. The major merit is just to be able to sing beside her and don't look as a begginer. Great Perfomance
always avantgarde!!!!!
This was for the Barcelona Olympics
He never made it to openings of olympic games in Barcelona , where they were soposed to sing that song together. Freddie didnt make it. 2 "divas" one in opera one in rock, singing together and loving it. One to go readymake skene, one to make that skene when entering, quess who is who. 😎
By the way, you are first I found reacting those singers together, I like it. When music is good , doesent matter if it`s your own style kind of? what you think?
Funny you mention not liking him without his mustache. When he first grew it fans desperately wanted him to shave it off.
This was amazing but you need to see Pavarotti and James Brown is equal like this.
Barcelona was a song for the olimpiad of barcelona 92.
Salutations good reaction .
CASH,
PLEASE SURE YOU HAVE ON YOUR LIST:
"EXERCISES IN FREE LOVE"
AND
"ENSUENO"
("Exercises In Free Love" s/b audio only; the BEST version has a pic showing Freddie WITH moustache sitting in a tuxedo... There's a fan-made video floating around, but it's HORRIBLE!
"Ensueno" doesn't have any official video either; it's either audio only or there's a nice fan-made video)
As Rory said Freddie can sing opera but opera singers can't sing like Freddie 🎶 😐
Now you have to check out the Golden boy. Here is the link.
ruclips.net/video/OPizyP4x30I/видео.html
Whilst your criticism of Freddie's apperance sans famous moustache and wearing a tuxedo, may be understandable, it was part of a conscious attempt on his part, to tone down his previous exuberance on stage, to be more in keeping with Montserrat's more traditiional even conservative appearance and he worried about this, not wanting to cheapen the performance. As he went on stage for the first performnace of the now legendary piece, Mike Moran his musical maestro whispered to Freddie that she was after all, a great Operatic Diva...! When she sang the first notes, Pow..!! Freddie suddenly realised that he would have to ramp up his intended performance to keep up with her! Their first public performance was at the prestigious "Ku Club" on the island of Ibiza and was greeted with instant rapturous acclaim, forever silencing the numerous critics who were sceptical even derisory, about the improbable pairing of a global rock superstar and a Soprano considered by many to be one of the greatest of all time. Theirs was a devoted friendship based on a shared passion for music and a flair for the dramatic. Freddie together with Mike Moran actually composed "Barcelona" as a tribute and homage to Montserrat, being not only where she had been born, but also her hometown. It was also the venue for thier first actual meeting, from which their mutual admiration of each other's talent was to develop into a life long deep friendship, so it was of triple significance for her. Subsequently they were asked by the organising comittee in charge of the bid by the city, to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, for permission to use the piece as centerpoint to their proposed bid.. Both immediately and enthusiastically agreed. The bid was successful. Perhaps the most over the top performance was at the "La Nit" Centro de Cultura in Barcelona in Octobeer 1988, as part of the lavish and joyous celebrations to officially welcome the "Olympic Flag" to the city. The performance features operatic standard backing singers, full symphony orchestra, floodlit fountains and fireworks, yet totally compliments the gigantic talents of these two musical legends, in no way overshadowing them. (it is available to see here on RUclips.
Barcelona went on to become not only the "Official Anthem" of the city for the games but an international chart topping hit as well.
Sadly both have now passed of course, but thanks to technology we are still able to enjoy, even thrill at this immortal moment of pure "Musical Magic"
Freddie once told "Montsy" his affectionate nickname for her that, She...Was Music...and that Music knows no barrier of age..!! How true this is, 37 YEARS after first being staged...!!
" VIVA, BARCELONA...!!!".
Good stuff mate.... sound quality of videos not to good though.
✌
The man was dying, singing and holding his own, with one of the world's greatest sopranos and you are fixated on his lack of mustache....
You said you didn't like him in a suit and bow tie.
This is the attire worn at opera concerts always, I expect he wanted to look the part for something he'd always wanted to do. The moustache too had to go.
He was feeling the effects of AIDs here so they were both lip syncing as Freddie thought he wouldn't be strong enough to do the theatrics and sing, just before the concert it was decided to lip sync...
Ellos sentían un mutuo respeto y admiración por el otro, no es una competencia, si no que se complementaban para lograr este prodigio que es Barcelona, deberías ampliar tu conocimiento musical y no quedarte por si el bigote de Freddie afecta su desempeño artístico...
You definitely need headphones 🎧
Be nice...Freddie was very sick here and just plugged away at creating beautiful music...react to another of their soNgs: HOW CAN I GO ON
He was dying.
I cringe every time I listen to it...