When she told him she couldn't wait to sing this with him at the opening of the Olympics in Barcelona Freddie told her he wouldn't be there and explained to her why. Broke her heart to know he wouldn't live much longer because she had grown to love him. Freddie adored her. Have watched this many times and I still get tears in my eyes every time. One of Freddie's greatest performances because he was singing with his idol.
My eyes immediately filled with tears as I remember when this happened & my mum loved Freddie so I grew up hearing him. I think it was the combination of the beautiful music & a sudden wave of grief even though it's nearly 4 years since we lost my mum. I'm off to play Queen & Freddie at full volume in her memory.💜
Watch the other live version with Freddie in the royal blue tux! To me it's the better version of this! Singing with Montserrat Caballe on that one too!
Montserrat Caballé was one of the best operatic sopranos of the twentieth century. She had a six decade year and won three Grammys. Freddy was a huge fan of opera and wanted everyone to know about it( hence why he wrote Bohemian Rhapsody). He was a huge fan of Montserrat Caballé also. This was a dream come true for him. You should check out their album. 💜
Freddie wrote this, too. He'd heard Montse a few years before and fell in love with her voice. In an interview on Spanish television, he said that she was his favorite singer in the world. She heard about it and was very interested in meeting him. Her people got in touch with Freddie's people and it was arranged. Freddie said that he was never more nervous to meet anyone in his life. They met in Barcelona in early 1987 and a truly magnificent friendship was born. I think they fell in love with each other in their own way. There's a video about their meeting titled "When Freddie Mercury Met Montserrat Caballé". It's not very long, but it's worth the watch just to hear the love when Montserrat talks about him. 😊
I was so happy when I saw that you were reacting to this. Directional mics recorded it from a distance, but they also had voices putting out enough sound to be heard without the mics. Which is why singing opera takes so much training. It is not for the weak, yet Freddy was doing this in the last months of his life. An amazing display of his skill as a composer as well as a singer and showman. And she was HIS idol, and deservedly so. She is mind-bogglingly good!
@@reggiestan If I am recalling this correctly, Freddie wasn't sure - at this time - of the strength of his voice because of his illness to ensure a completely live performance.
I am so happy that you liked this beautiful performance….. Freddie could sing anything from hard rock…to love ballads to opera …and he was always fantastic. Freddie co wrote the music and lyrics for the entire “Barcelona” album…… this song was one of the three that they performed together on stage. These performances in 1988 were the very last time that Freddie ever appeared live on stage. He also did have another solo album “Mr. Bad Guy” released in 1985….with some really good songs to react to. FYI ….the band Queen never split up…..Freddie, Brian and Roger all did a few solo albums on the side. I am going to continue to request that you react to “One Year of Love” a beautiful love song from the movie Highlander. Thank you for continuing to react to Queen songs ….and Freddie.💕💕
The song was performed by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe, who Freddie declared to be one of the most beautiful women he ever met. Caballe requested that Freddie write a song about her hometown, and he did so, in Barcelona, a song about meeting a lover in a breathtakingly beautiful city. Mercury had befriended the operatic soprano Montserrat Caballe and had long admired her music. In 1987 and 1988 they recorded a whole album of pop-operatic material. This was supposed to be the theme song for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain; however, the organizers chose another song at the last minute due to Freddie Mercury's untimely death at the end of 1991 from AIDS, to avoid controversy. However, the song was still performed at the opening ceremonies, Caballe performing live to a backing track featuring Freddie's vocals.
This song opened the Olympics in Barcelona. Montserrat was Freddie's favorite opera singer. They became close friends. She attended the unveiling of the statue of Freddie in Switzerland following his death with his parents.
BP - thank you for this one! Montserrat was one of HIS idols. Getting to do this with her made him nervous. Can ya believe that one? They were going to sing this at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona but unfortunately he didn't make it.
They used directional floor microphones, something that is not too uncommon in open-air Opera performances, Opera singers do not need a mic up close, their vocal power is off the charts, and for that reason they usually do not even need a mic in theaters, their voices reach all the way to the back of the room (with ease). If you ever have the chance to meet a real Opera singer, ask them to sing a bit for you, as they would on stage, make sure the door is locked cause they will blow it of its hinges ;) A powerful song by two powerful singers is what we were gifted when Montserrat and Freddie got together to create this for us, the song was also used for the Olympics in Barcelona/Spain.
@@aukebakker887 there is also a live version, same setup and that uses directional microphones, i knew this was studio audio version though, but the answer i gave was not about it being live, it was about how they (in live situations) do this type of recordings. :)
Everyone always praises Freddie Mercury for his extraordinary voice and performances but he was a gifted and unique composer and songwriter and musician as well. He was the first to create this mash up of rock and opera which has been copied many times since. He did most of the musical composition for the entire Barcelona album.
Freddie loved opera - and idolized Montserrat. They became the best of friends, as the admiration and respect was mutual. These two were both prominent stars in completely different genres of music - however, coming together, they made absolute magic, as we watched them perform on stage!
Bearing in mind the impending tragic events watch the video of them singing "How Can I Go On". Montserrat noticed tears in Freddie's eyes and moved quickly to hold his hand in mid-song.
Freddie and Montserrat broke the mold with their collaboration. They both got a lot of negative feedback from their respective peers when it went public that they were doing an album together. They are the first to ever do this. Once the album came out rockers were asking Montserrat to collaborate with them. She turned everyone down saying that Freddie was the only one she would sing with. They were extremely close friends.
Somewhere out there is a video of MC performing this solo at the 92 Olympics. Freddie was on a big screen singing with her. At the line, "...We'll Meet Again Someday," MC is positioned so she puts her hand up toward his image and appears to touch his hand. Can't help but cry.
Freddie composed this for Montserrat. They did an entire album together. Yes he had a solo career. Try The Great Pretender - the extended version. It’s a cover but amazing. ❤
@AliT0555 The list goes on and on. I love all Queens albums and Freddie's solo stuff especially Made in Heaven Living on my own Born to love you Face it alone 😊
Opera singers are trained to project their vocalisations without a microphone. This was just before Freddie passed. He hadn't left Queen but the band were all aware how seriously ill he was and they all wanted him to do whatever pleased him most which included recording and performing with Montserrat who was an Operatic hero of his.
That’s not true, Freddie actually put his solo career to one side and concentrated on Queen when his health began to decline. At the time Freddie and Montserrat started the collaboration to do Barcelona was about the same time Freddie learned about his illness, his diagnosis, it was purely coincidence and played no part in it happening, it was actually Montserrat’s idea and she asked him because she was advised to enter a competition for the official theme song for the 92 Olympics because she was a Barcelona native, so she asked Freddie and Freddie suggested they collaborate on a full album and she agreed but told him they would need to do the one song quickly because of the closing date of the competition and so the single Barcelona was released in October 87 in time for the competition. They did not win the competition and Barcelona was not the official theme song for the Olympics but it was used for promotional purposes and this live performance was in October 88, a year after they released the single
@@reggiestan Think the Ku Club performance was in 1987 and this one is the La Nit festival in October 1988, which was to mark the arrival of the Olympic flag from Seoul. You can see the logo for the 1992 Olympics during the instrumental build-up. La Nit was his final live performance, though he did not sing live he and Montserrat performed several songs.
I'm a HUGE opera fan, but I've never seen this performance. ❤🤯❤️🤯 I legit have goosebumps from head to toe watching them. I'm gonna have to do a deeper dig into Montserrat Caballe. I'd heard of her but hadn't taken the time to check her out. Thank you for doing this song and showing me what I've been missing. 🤘Rock on, Kelly 🤘
Freddie Mercury was a musical genius! By far my favorite musician of all time. But I had never seen this. And I had goosebumps on my entire body. From the first note that she hit. It's amazing to see him get to sing with his idol. He had such a troubled life. This had to be such a highlight for him. Just AMAZING!
I cannot listen to this without crying! Freddie made a couple solo albums, they never did well by numbers but I think they are great. Montsie was a great opera singer and his dream was to meet her. Thanks for all the reactions, you are the best!
I met Caballe in 1991 when she performed for the King and Queen of Spain. She was incredibly un-diva. Just a lovely lady fascinated with everything and everyone around her.
I loved Montserrat Caballé since I was a child. 🥰Her voice was so warm and her smile so beautiful. She often was a guest in TV shows. (I'm from Germany.)
They adored each other and deeply respected each other's talent. Her voice is incredible. And in her prime unparalleled. When Maria Callas was asked who, if anyone could take her place after she retired and she said only one name Montserrat Caballe.
There are no words to express, how much I love this. Two of the greatest singers to ever have graced this earth together on stage. Perfect together. You can feel the love, respect and admiration of each other with every tune. Freddy admired Monserrat so much and just could not believe, she was not only ready to sing along with him, but to record a complete album together. He composed all the music. The song "Barcelona" was for the opening of the Olympics in 1992. As we all know, he sadly did not make it to the opening, but it is a heritage worth cherishing.
I love it that they could both stay true to themselves and great to see rock & opera come together like that, once in a lifetime performance, beautiful
I remember reading a comment from Freddie where he said about her, "When I wanted to lessen the force of my voice, I moved away from the microphone, she just did it without moving." Her voice control was incredible even for an opera singer.
Thank you so much for doing this. Coming up to Christmas and most my family is gone, this brings back so many memories. Nine year old me in Barcelona with my family for the Olympics, shame Freddie was gone before the Olympics but this is when I fell in love with him and his voice❤️
He always wanted to sing opera and as others have stated MC, was an opera singer he adored and just wanted to sing with her. They did an album together and it was well received. That’s NOT a lip synched concert they had the vocals that could be heard crystal clear across the audience. It was a concert celebrating the Barcelona Olympics. I still miss Freddie he was so special! 😢❤🫶
Watchin the absolute joy in your eyes is almost as good as the video. You are just so great with yourv respect to & of the artists you react to. Love your reactions...
Hi again from New Zealand! :) This is beginning of rock and opera together. It's evident in this performance that Freddie was declining' his face is more gaunt, yet he lived for his music, he 'was' the music, and sang right til the end. Yes, he does look very dapper without the moustache. He is great, either way. As an aside, notice how Freddie holds his right arm up, well watch Floor Jansen of Nightwish, she does the same. She does it because she is a big fan of Freddie, so some of her gestures remind us of him. When once asked who she would choose to do a duet with, she said, Freddie Mercury. Queen were massive in the 70's, in a time when music was great, and singers were so versatile and had their own sound style, unlike most of today's homogenous voices. Freddie and Floor both have the same on stage presence, it's mesmerising, and captivating. As to the mics, opera singers train for years and don't use them generally, because they don't need one. Their breath control through using their diaphragm produces a powerful projection of sound. They also open their mouth :) Someone mentioned the mics were at a distance, so it seems that they were there, just not where you could see them. You can always tell when an artist has great breath control. They can sustain notes for long, and can control the flow and volume of sound with ease. Floor has it, Pavarotti has it, Mario Lanza has it, Barbra Streisand has it. They are able to ebb and flow to create a beautiful expression of the song or composition. Observe the top half of Floor's leather outfit during Ghost Love Score at Wacke 2013. You can see there when she takes a breath in, then slowly releases it or pushes it out to belt out the sound. It's quite interesting to learn about it, and you can definitely tell which singers have learned their training well. I've been a huge fan of Queen since the 70's, and Freddie's untimely death was a massive blow for all those who love Queen. Their music had well thought out lyrics, and broke new ground in the music industry, with the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddie was a musical genius, and loved opera. He is still hugely missed, even years after his passing.
Freddie loved opera and it was a dream of his to sing it which is traditionally in Italian,but he didn't speak it.His dream came true when he got to sing opera beside this absolute legend
Freddie was always opera darling, his main quest was to bring opera to the masses and Queen was his side quest to make the main possible. In all seriousness Freddie loved music and he wanted to share that love with as many people as possible.
It makes me smile every time at the reaction of an American hears something classical music related. Meanwhile, outside the US most people are used to hearing because it's in our adverts and taught in schools. I'd love to sit an American down and make them listen to every bit of classical music and show then where they've heard it before. Like Clair De Lune by Debussy in the Twilight films, Mika's Grace Kelly was inspired by The Barber of Saville, Lady Gaga’s Alejandro samples Monti’s Czardas by Bach, Maroon 5's Memories is Pachelbel's Canon in D, etc.
Its a live concert featuring many different artists, and the microphones are hidden around the stage, you never see anyone using mics in Opera? Freddie wrote a whole album for the two of them and yes three of the group had solo careers running alongside Queen, John also had a solo career but more behind the scenes which he preferred.. Mike Moran on the piano who also helped compose the album along with Sir Tim Rice
Is someone chopping onions? 😭 This always makes me cry… it’s so beautiful and it was his dream to sing with her. He already knew he wouldn’t have much longer to live.
You need to react to 'The Show Must Go On." The video of that was the last Freddie ever shot, and you can tell visually he is nearing the end. It is a very emotional video, and the song itself pushed Freddie in his sickness.
I was there that night as a12 year old kid. The song was dedicated to my hometown being selected as the venue for the XXV Olympic Games. Still brings a tear to my eye. Freddie released a solo album "Mr. Bad Guy", and a full album with Montserrat Caballé, titled "Barcelona", albeit most of the songs for this second one were composed alongside Mike Moran. All the songs in it are absolute jewels.
I was only 10 years old when this came out, and still gives me chills. It was so amazing to watch someone as big as Freddie with our Montserrat, like if we in Spain were awaking to the world with this song. Check out her version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Bruce Dickinson himself. She also sang a version of "One life, one soul" with swiss band Gotthard. (Gotthard's late Steve Lee, another wonderful voice)
The mics are two lowered poles in front of them. Freddie was an opera fan, and he heard Montserrat sing in London. On a tour in Spain, an interviewer asked him who his favorite singer was. He answered Montserrat Caballe--he was so impressed because she could sing so softly with great control. The interview reached Montserrat, and after her next London performance, Freddie, Monserrat, Mike Moran, and Peter Straker (a West End actor close to Freddie and who had a great voice) went to Freddie's house and sang around the piano all night. They created an album with songs composed by Freddie and Mike Moran. Freddie and Monserrat adored each other, and she was one of the people he first told that he had AIDS. (Freddie did one solo album, and it did not do well. Queen was a unit, and they fought brutally doing the album. One reason all their songs were so good is that everyone had opinions on everything. They stayed together; they loved being on the road, but the fighting while making albums took its toll. The final albums Queen made after Freddie could no longer perform and were amazing. They closed ranks. Freddie wanted to sing, and they told no one, even their families, about his illness, and they stayed with him --writing, protecting him, and recording as long as he could. They were the closest they had ever been, and the fighting stopped. I didn't like the BR movie because the real story of Queen was so much more dramatic and heartbreaking than that cobbled-together script. But they wanted people to hear the music.)
They made a whole album together called Barcelona. It’s a wonderful tribute to both of them. My husband has strict instructions that Guide Me Home/How Can I Go On is to be played at my funeral ❤
This was done for the summer Olympics of 1992, obviously in Barcelona. I was stationed in Spain at this time and the Worlds Fair (Expo) was also in Spain that year and the Spaniards really outdid themselves. VIVA ESPAÑA🇪🇸
I'm over 80 and watched the opening of 1992 in Barcelona. I froze on first hearing it and it still has that else trick effect! MOntserrat was Diva of theday. The whole thing was written produce and performed by Freddie. ! Could you have the same lasting effect? I doubt it.
@@reggiestannot joining the debate as to whether this is live or not but it's possible to record backing vocals and then perform the main vocals over them:.
It sounds EXACTLY like the record, and therefore it must be playback. Freddie was not sure if he could sing live because of his illness, and so they decided to mime to the song.
He was ill here. I had to tape this for my mother in law. Se was in awe of it, on a cassette tape to He had so much respect for this operatic iconic singer, so he felt it was an honour to sing with her. Live aid was really a fantastic concert where Queen stole the show despite his Dr telling him not to sing because of his throat being affected by the aids virus. He had us all in the crowd in the palm of his hand ❤ There were 🎤 here. I'm pretty certain this was live, then again maybe not for obvious reasons. He was just so honoured to do this. When his mustache went, he knew for definite that he was ill. He went out on a high 👏🏼👌
You should listen to Freddie's Exercises in Free love....its tones only no words. The B side to The Great Pretender. This is what he took to show Montserrat on their first meeting to break the ice. Beautiful.
Freddie was a huge opera fan and in fact Bohemian Rhapsody was heavily inspired by opera. Her name is MON SE RAH KA BA YYE! She was a true opera legend like Pavarotti. She was actually quite flattered and excited to sing with him
After Barcelona was selected to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, Freddie Mercury was approached to write a song as a theme for the forthcoming games. The idea was to create a duet with Caballé, as she was from the city. The song on the BARCELONA album, reflects Freddie Mercury's love of opera with his high notes and Caballé's operatic vocals, backed by a full orchestra. Barcelona is actually a collaborative studio album, released October 1988. There our 8 tracks on the album, each one perfect as the next, as we only know that Freddie can do.
Freddie was very versatile. He encouraged Queen to experiment with lots of different genres which is what made me love them for the first time when i discovered them at 11 years old, im now 51 lol. Fred loved classical and opera music, you just need to hear it through his music and songs. I am still mighty pissed at him for getting himself into the predicament which led to his death, but he was the ultimate showman and musician we were blessed to have him in our lives, albeit a short while. I love how Queen still has a great impact on younger people discovering them.
This was used as the theme for the ‘92 Olympics held in Barcelona. Sadly Freddie passed the November before and wasn’t able to perform it live so they used the recorded footage.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
When she told him she couldn't wait to sing this with him at the opening of the Olympics in Barcelona Freddie told her he wouldn't be there and explained to her why. Broke her heart to know he wouldn't live much longer because she had grown to love him. Freddie adored her. Have watched this many times and I still get tears in my eyes every time. One of Freddie's greatest performances because he was singing with his idol.
My eyes immediately filled with tears as I remember when this happened & my mum loved Freddie so I grew up hearing him. I think it was the combination of the beautiful music & a sudden wave of grief even though it's nearly 4 years since we lost my mum.
I'm off to play Queen & Freddie at full volume in her memory.💜
I like to believe he was there in spirit ❤
@ I will do the same for my loss family members and think of your mam as well ❤️
Watch the other live version with Freddie in the royal blue tux! To me it's the better version of this! Singing with Montserrat Caballe on that one too!
This is lip syncing. There are no mics
This, ladies and gentlemen, was the genius of Freddie Mercury.
Montserrat Caballé was one of the best operatic sopranos of the twentieth century. She had a six decade year and won three Grammys. Freddy was a huge fan of opera and wanted everyone to know about it( hence why he wrote Bohemian Rhapsody). He was a huge fan of Montserrat Caballé also. This was a dream come true for him. You should check out their album. 💜
Freddie wrote this, too. He'd heard Montse a few years before and fell in love with her voice. In an interview on Spanish television, he said that she was his favorite singer in the world. She heard about it and was very interested in meeting him. Her people got in touch with Freddie's people and it was arranged. Freddie said that he was never more nervous to meet anyone in his life. They met in Barcelona in early 1987 and a truly magnificent friendship was born. I think they fell in love with each other in their own way. There's a video about their meeting titled "When Freddie Mercury Met Montserrat Caballé". It's not very long, but it's worth the watch just to hear the love when Montserrat talks about him. 😊
He could literally perform any genre of music and make it his own
People with powerful voices don't use mics !!! Nor do they get dubbed! You need to get out more..
@@donnamachugh5721 I didn't say anything about mics? I've been to the opera before. Thank you.
I was so happy when I saw that you were reacting to this. Directional mics recorded it from a distance, but they also had voices putting out enough sound to be heard without the mics. Which is why singing opera takes so much training. It is not for the weak, yet Freddy was doing this in the last months of his life. An amazing display of his skill as a composer as well as a singer and showman. And she was HIS idol, and deservedly so. She is mind-bogglingly good!
There are no mics as they are miming. For whatever reason it was never performed live.
@@reggiestan If I am recalling this correctly, Freddie wasn't sure - at this time - of the strength of his voice because of his illness to ensure a completely live performance.
@@reggiestan Really, I never knew that!
Total lip sync
I am so happy that you liked this beautiful performance….. Freddie could sing anything from hard rock…to love ballads to opera …and he was always fantastic. Freddie co wrote the music and lyrics for the entire “Barcelona” album…… this song was one of the three that they performed together on stage.
These performances in 1988 were the very last time that Freddie ever appeared live on stage. He also did have another solo album “Mr. Bad Guy” released in 1985….with some really good songs to react to. FYI ….the band Queen never split up…..Freddie, Brian and Roger all did a few solo albums on the side.
I am going to continue to request that you react to “One Year of Love” a beautiful love song from the movie Highlander. Thank you for continuing to react to Queen songs ….and Freddie.💕💕
The song was performed by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe, who Freddie declared to be one of the most beautiful women he ever met. Caballe requested that Freddie write a song about her hometown, and he did so, in Barcelona, a song about meeting a lover in a breathtakingly beautiful city. Mercury had befriended the operatic soprano Montserrat Caballe and had long admired her music. In 1987 and 1988 they recorded a whole album of pop-operatic material.
This was supposed to be the theme song for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain; however, the organizers chose another song at the last minute due to Freddie Mercury's untimely death at the end of 1991 from AIDS, to avoid controversy. However, the song was still performed at the opening ceremonies, Caballe performing live to a backing track featuring Freddie's vocals.
This song opened the Olympics in Barcelona. Montserrat was Freddie's favorite opera singer. They became close friends. She attended the unveiling of the statue of Freddie in Switzerland following his death with his parents.
Freddie wrote this for her, he was in love with her beautiful voice and admired her way in the world!!!
BP - thank you for this one! Montserrat was one of HIS idols. Getting to do this with her made him nervous. Can ya believe that one?
They were going to sing this at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona but unfortunately he didn't make it.
They would have been miced for classical, probably. Meaning they have mics far away to catch the whole stage (orchestra, choir, vocalists, etc).
They loved each other so much. She was his idol.
Freddie looked like a snack in that tux, damn.
Miss him and his amazing voice.
They used directional floor microphones, something that is not too uncommon in open-air Opera performances, Opera singers do not need a mic up close, their vocal power is off the charts, and for that reason they usually do not even need a mic in theaters, their voices reach all the way to the back of the room (with ease).
If you ever have the chance to meet a real Opera singer, ask them to sing a bit for you, as they would on stage, make sure the door is locked cause they will blow it of its hinges ;)
A powerful song by two powerful singers is what we were gifted when Montserrat and Freddie got together to create this for us, the song was also used for the Olympics in Barcelona/Spain.
this is the studio version. they are miming
@@aukebakker887 there is also a live version, same setup and that uses directional microphones, i knew this was studio audio version though, but the answer i gave was not about it being live, it was about how they (in live situations) do this type of recordings. :)
After all these years it's still a HIT. One of my favourite performances of Freddie Mercury.
Everyone always praises Freddie Mercury for his extraordinary voice and performances but he was a gifted and unique composer and songwriter and musician as well. He was the first to create this mash up of rock and opera which has been copied many times since. He did most of the musical composition for the entire Barcelona album.
Freddie loved opera - and idolized Montserrat.
They became the best of friends, as the admiration and respect was mutual.
These two were both prominent stars in completely different genres of music - however, coming together, they made absolute magic, as we watched them perform on stage!
This was a dream come true for Freddie. I absolutely love this ❤❤❤ Thank you for doing this ❤
Bearing in mind the impending tragic events watch the video of them singing "How Can I Go On".
Montserrat noticed tears in Freddie's eyes and moved quickly to hold his hand in mid-song.
Freddie and Montserrat broke the mold with their collaboration. They both got a lot of negative feedback from their respective peers when it went public that they were doing an album together. They are the first to ever do this. Once the album came out rockers were asking Montserrat to collaborate with them. She turned everyone down saying that Freddie was the only one she would sing with. They were extremely close friends.
Somewhere out there is a video of MC performing this solo at the 92 Olympics. Freddie was on a big screen singing with her. At the line, "...We'll Meet Again Someday," MC is positioned so she puts her hand up toward his image and appears to touch his hand. Can't help but cry.
Freddie composed this for Montserrat. They did an entire album together.
Yes he had a solo career. Try The Great Pretender - the extended version. It’s a cover but amazing. ❤
Was written by Fred and Mike Moran, the bloke at the piano.
Also Time Waits for No One and In My Defence.
@AliT0555 The list goes on and on. I love all Queens albums and Freddie's solo stuff especially Made in Heaven
Living on my own
Born to love you
Face it alone 😊
2 legendary superstars together. I'm so glad I was alive to see this. It won't happen again.
Opera singers are trained to project their vocalisations without a microphone. This was just before Freddie passed. He hadn't left Queen but the band were all aware how seriously ill he was and they all wanted him to do whatever pleased him most which included recording and performing with Montserrat who was an Operatic hero of his.
They're miming hence no mics. Plus this was1987, 4 years before Fred died.
That’s not true, Freddie actually put his solo career to one side and concentrated on Queen when his health began to decline.
At the time Freddie and Montserrat started the collaboration to do Barcelona was about the same time Freddie learned about his illness, his diagnosis, it was purely coincidence and played no part in it happening, it was actually Montserrat’s idea and she asked him because she was advised to enter a competition for the official theme song for the 92 Olympics because she was a Barcelona native, so she asked Freddie and Freddie suggested they collaborate on a full album and she agreed but told him they would need to do the one song quickly because of the closing date of the competition and so the single Barcelona was released in October 87 in time for the competition.
They did not win the competition and Barcelona was not the official theme song for the Olympics but it was used for promotional purposes and this live performance was in October 88, a year after they released the single
@@Penddraig7 You really need to do your research.
@@reggiestan no I don’t, but thanks for pointless comment
@@reggiestan Think the Ku Club performance was in 1987 and this one is the La Nit festival in October 1988, which was to mark the arrival of the Olympic flag from Seoul. You can see the logo for the 1992 Olympics during the instrumental build-up. La Nit was his final live performance, though he did not sing live he and Montserrat performed several songs.
Monserrat was one of Freddie's musical heroines and a great friend
I'm a HUGE opera fan, but I've never seen this performance. ❤🤯❤️🤯 I legit have goosebumps from head to toe watching them. I'm gonna have to do a deeper dig into Montserrat Caballe. I'd heard of her but hadn't taken the time to check her out. Thank you for doing this song and showing me what I've been missing. 🤘Rock on, Kelly 🤘
Have you seen Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown performing Its a mans world
Freddie Mercury was a musical genius! By far my favorite musician of all time. But I had never seen this. And I had goosebumps on my entire body. From the first note that she hit. It's amazing to see him get to sing with his idol. He had such a troubled life. This had to be such a highlight for him. Just AMAZING!
I cannot listen to this without crying! Freddie made a couple solo albums, they never did well by numbers but I think they are great. Montsie was a great opera singer and his dream was to meet her. Thanks for all the reactions, you are the best!
Mr Bad Guy!
@@Someonelser1 Love that album cover...makes me slobber ❤🔥
Thanks, saves me having to say it.
I met Caballe in 1991 when she performed for the King and Queen of Spain. She was incredibly un-diva. Just a lovely lady fascinated with everything and everyone around her.
I loved Montserrat Caballé since I was a child. 🥰Her voice was so warm and her smile so beautiful. She often was a guest in TV shows. (I'm from Germany.)
Absolutely breaks my heart he's not here anymore ❤
This song gives me chills everytime.
heard to believe its been 33 yrs since we lost the Great Pretender. We ALL still miss you greatly Freddie
‘The Golden Boy’ from the same concert is incredible, as is ‘how can I go on?’ 😍
Yes!!!! I have always thought The Golden Boy is even better.
They adored each other and deeply respected each other's talent. Her voice is incredible. And in her prime unparalleled. When Maria Callas was asked who, if anyone could take her place after she retired and she said only one name Montserrat Caballe.
Love you Freddie and Monserrat ❤
One of the all time great perfomances!
I don’t care of this was live or not. Spectacular performance. What a show!
playback
There are no words to express, how much I love this. Two of the greatest singers to ever have graced this earth together on stage. Perfect together. You can feel the love, respect and admiration of each other with every tune. Freddy admired Monserrat so much and just could not believe, she was not only ready to sing along with him, but to record a complete album together. He composed all the music. The song "Barcelona" was for the opening of the Olympics in 1992. As we all know, he sadly did not make it to the opening, but it is a heritage worth cherishing.
I never listened to this fully. It was STUNNING! I was crying at the end it was PURE MAGIC
Montserrat was greatly admired by Freddie which given his own voice is a huge but understandable complement. Both are sensational in this.
Eternamente Montserrat !!!!!! Brazil.
I love it that they could both stay true to themselves and great to see rock & opera come together like that, once in a lifetime performance, beautiful
Montserrat Caballé was a Spanish opera singer from Barcelona.
The song is absolute classic.
So beautiful!
I’m so glad you did this one. It’s absolutely sublime. ❤ 🔥 🎵
This was the best video. ❤Freddie❤ can perform anything ❤. RIP angel ❤
He was so happy and in his element here. ❤
Oh wow !! Magnifico!!! I've never heard this one..what a treat ❤
The Golden Boy and How Can I Go On are both just as amazing as Barcelona, truly beautiful
Guide me Home also in fact the whole album they did is brilliant 😊
Agreed - particularly The Golden Boy! The whole album is just stunning.
I remember reading a comment from Freddie where he said about her, "When I wanted to lessen the force of my voice, I moved away from the microphone, she just did it without moving." Her voice control was incredible even for an opera singer.
Thank you so much for doing this. Coming up to Christmas and most my family is gone, this brings back so many memories. Nine year old me in Barcelona with my family for the Olympics, shame Freddie was gone before the Olympics but this is when I fell in love with him and his voice❤️
So glad to see you finally are checking out this spectacular performance with Montserrat. They adored and respected each other very much.❤
Freddie can do anything. ❤
This always gives me goosebumps.
Freddie, Roger and Brian all had solo careers. ❤
Freddie composed entire operas and had sent demos to Monserrat only for her..
❤
That man could do it all
Don't think he composed any operas. If he did, name one please.
@@reggiestangoogle Barcelona album
The entire album is literally opera
And he composed demo's at Ealing college when he studied Art.
@@dimitrasotirakoglou2553 I've copies of the album for years but it's not really opera.
Love this so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
He always wanted to sing opera and as others have stated MC, was an opera singer he adored and just wanted to sing with her. They did an album together and it was well received.
That’s NOT a lip synched concert they had the vocals that could be heard crystal clear across the audience.
It was a concert celebrating the Barcelona Olympics.
I still miss Freddie he was so special! 😢❤🫶
I'M SO HAPPY!! THE FIRST TIME I EVER LISTENED TO YOU, I REQUESTED YOU LISTEN TO THIS ONE!! OVER A YEAR AGO
Watchin the absolute joy in your eyes is almost as good as the video. You are just so great with yourv respect to & of the artists you react to.
Love your reactions...
Never have I seen or heard Freddy at this top notch level... thanks for sharing!
Hi again from New Zealand! :) This is beginning of rock and opera together. It's evident in this performance that Freddie was declining' his face is more gaunt, yet he lived for his music, he 'was' the music, and sang right til the end. Yes, he does look very dapper without the moustache. He is great, either way.
As an aside, notice how Freddie holds his right arm up, well watch Floor Jansen of Nightwish, she does the same. She does it because she is a big fan of Freddie, so some of her gestures remind us of him. When once asked who she would choose to do a duet with, she said, Freddie Mercury. Queen were massive in the 70's, in a time when music was great, and singers were so versatile and had their own sound style, unlike most of today's homogenous voices. Freddie and Floor both have the same on stage presence, it's mesmerising, and captivating.
As to the mics, opera singers train for years and don't use them generally, because they don't need one. Their breath control through using their diaphragm produces a powerful projection of sound. They also open their mouth :) Someone mentioned the mics were at a distance, so it seems that they were there, just not where you could see them.
You can always tell when an artist has great breath control. They can sustain notes for long, and can control the flow and volume of sound with ease. Floor has it, Pavarotti has it, Mario Lanza has it, Barbra Streisand has it. They are able to ebb and flow to create a beautiful expression of the song or composition. Observe the top half of Floor's leather outfit during Ghost Love Score at Wacke 2013. You can see there when she takes a breath in, then slowly releases it or pushes it out to belt out the sound. It's quite interesting to learn about it, and you can definitely tell which singers have learned their training well.
I've been a huge fan of Queen since the 70's, and Freddie's untimely death was a massive blow for all those who love Queen. Their music had well thought out lyrics, and broke new ground in the music industry, with the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddie was a musical genius, and loved opera. He is still hugely missed, even years after his passing.
Thanks
thank you so much for the extra support
Freddie, Freddie.. 🎵🎶🌹😔🌠
Freddie loved opera and it was a dream of his to sing it which is traditionally in Italian,but he didn't speak it.His dream came true when he got to sing opera beside this absolute legend
Ermmm, Italian opera is not all there is. Many famous operas were written in German or even French.
@Xiroi87 I am fully aware,and that's why my comment clearly says traditionally.It originated in Florence Italy after all.
"HOW CAN I GO ON", same duo. Amazing.
Freddie was always opera darling, his main quest was to bring opera to the masses and Queen was his side quest to make the main possible.
In all seriousness Freddie loved music and he wanted to share that love with as many people as possible.
So beautiful!
A stunning beautiful duet 🥰
And this is way so loved and missed
Freddie is missed ❤
❤
Good lord this always makes me cry in a good way
It makes me smile every time at the reaction of an American hears something classical music related. Meanwhile, outside the US most people are used to hearing because it's in our adverts and taught in schools.
I'd love to sit an American down and make them listen to every bit of classical music and show then where they've heard it before. Like Clair De Lune by Debussy in the Twilight films, Mika's Grace Kelly was inspired by The Barber of Saville, Lady Gaga’s Alejandro samples Monti’s Czardas by Bach, Maroon 5's Memories is Pachelbel's Canon in D, etc.
Thank you for genuinely sweet reaction to one of my favourite performances of all times Ax
A masterpiece. A true masterpiece.
What a voice control.... Amazing...❤
Its lip sync
Its a live concert featuring many different artists, and the microphones are hidden around the stage, you never see anyone using mics in Opera? Freddie wrote a whole album for the two of them and yes three of the group had solo careers running alongside Queen, John also had a solo career but more behind the scenes which he preferred.. Mike Moran on the piano who also helped compose the album along with Sir Tim Rice
No mics because they're miming.
Is someone chopping onions? 😭 This always makes me cry… it’s so beautiful and it was his dream to sing with her. He already knew he wouldn’t have much longer to live.
You need to react to 'The Show Must Go On." The video of that was the last Freddie ever shot, and you can tell visually he is nearing the end. It is a very emotional video, and the song itself pushed Freddie in his sickness.
Absolutely.
And who wants to live forever.
Earlier, but still haunting
great reaction love this get goosebumps every time.
Impossible not to be moved by the power in this song.
Freddie Rocks
I don't know if it was what people were asking for but I'm glad you did it! I've never heard it and am better for it! ❤
I recommended it.
I was there that night as a12 year old kid. The song was dedicated to my hometown being selected as the venue for the XXV Olympic Games. Still brings a tear to my eye.
Freddie released a solo album "Mr. Bad Guy", and a full album with Montserrat Caballé, titled "Barcelona", albeit most of the songs for this second one were composed alongside Mike Moran. All the songs in it are absolute jewels.
English and Spanish languages.. comebined with two legendary voices.. = A legendary master piece. Rest in Peace Freddy, and god bless you Monsy.
This still makes me cry. Sooo beautiful. Sooo powerful. Even if you don’t like opera, it’s still stunning and awe inspiring.
Esse som porra até arrepia ❤ lenda lenda ❤❤❤❤❤.
I was only 10 years old when this came out, and still gives me chills. It was so amazing to watch someone as big as Freddie with our Montserrat, like if we in Spain were awaking to the world with this song. Check out her version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Bruce Dickinson himself. She also sang a version of "One life, one soul" with swiss band Gotthard.
(Gotthard's late Steve Lee, another wonderful voice)
Proud to be from Barcelona 😎
You should do How Can i Go On...great reaction.
The mics are two lowered poles in front of them. Freddie was an opera fan, and he heard Montserrat sing in London. On a tour in Spain, an interviewer asked him who his favorite singer was. He answered Montserrat Caballe--he was so impressed because she could sing so softly with great control. The interview reached Montserrat, and after her next London performance, Freddie, Monserrat, Mike Moran, and Peter Straker (a West End actor close to Freddie and who had a great voice) went to Freddie's house and sang around the piano all night. They created an album with songs composed by Freddie and Mike Moran. Freddie and Monserrat adored each other, and she was one of the people he first told that he had AIDS. (Freddie did one solo album, and it did not do well. Queen was a unit, and they fought brutally doing the album. One reason all their songs were so good is that everyone had opinions on everything. They stayed together; they loved being on the road, but the fighting while making albums took its toll. The final albums Queen made after Freddie could no longer perform and were amazing. They closed ranks. Freddie wanted to sing, and they told no one, even their families, about his illness, and they stayed with him --writing, protecting him, and recording as long as he could. They were the closest they had ever been, and the fighting stopped. I didn't like the BR movie because the real story of Queen was so much more dramatic and heartbreaking than that cobbled-together script. But they wanted people to hear the music.)
They made a whole album together called Barcelona. It’s a wonderful tribute to both of them. My husband has strict instructions that Guide Me Home/How Can I Go On is to be played at my funeral ❤
This was done for the summer Olympics of 1992, obviously in Barcelona. I was stationed in Spain at this time and the Worlds Fair (Expo) was also in Spain that year and the Spaniards really outdid themselves. VIVA ESPAÑA🇪🇸
I'm over 80 and watched the opening of 1992 in Barcelona. I froze on first hearing it and it still has that else trick effect!
MOntserrat was Diva of theday.
The whole thing was written produce and performed by Freddie.
!
Could you have the same lasting effect?
I doubt it.
Barcelona is an incredible song! I listen to it often.
In a opera hall mics may not be needed. But I do believe they had the whole stage mic'd with directional mics.
Nope, they're miming, how come Fred is managing to do the backing vocals ?
@@reggiestannot joining the debate as to whether this is live or not but it's possible to record backing vocals and then perform the main vocals over them:.
It sounds EXACTLY like the record, and therefore it must be playback. Freddie was not sure if he could sing live because of his illness, and so they decided to mime to the song.
He was ill here. I had to tape this for my mother in law. Se was in awe of it, on a cassette tape to
He had so much respect for this operatic iconic singer, so he felt it was an honour to sing with her.
Live aid was really a fantastic concert where Queen stole the show despite his Dr telling him not to sing because of his throat being affected by the aids virus. He had us all in the crowd in the palm of his hand ❤
There were 🎤 here. I'm pretty certain this was live, then again maybe not for obvious reasons. He was just so honoured to do this. When his mustache went, he knew for definite that he was ill. He went out on a high 👏🏼👌
You should listen to Freddie's Exercises in Free love....its tones only no words. The B side to The Great Pretender. This is what he took to show Montserrat on their first meeting to break the ice. Beautiful.
Your sweater and hat look gorgeous on you. Love this outfit❤
Freddie was a huge opera fan and in fact Bohemian Rhapsody was heavily inspired by opera. Her name is MON SE RAH KA BA YYE! She was a true opera legend like Pavarotti. She was actually quite flattered and excited to sing with him
He also wrote the music himself for the song to be with Montserrat Caballe. ................❤❤❤❤
After Barcelona was selected to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, Freddie Mercury was approached to write a song as a theme for the forthcoming games. The idea was to create a duet with Caballé, as she was from the city. The song on the BARCELONA album, reflects Freddie Mercury's love of opera with his high notes and Caballé's operatic vocals, backed by a full orchestra. Barcelona is actually a collaborative studio album, released October 1988. There our 8 tracks on the album, each one perfect as the next, as we only know that Freddie can do.
Freddie was very versatile. He encouraged Queen to experiment with lots of different genres which is what made me love them for the first time when i discovered them at 11 years old, im now 51 lol. Fred loved classical and opera music, you just need to hear it through his music and songs.
I am still mighty pissed at him for getting himself into the predicament which led to his death, but he was the ultimate showman and musician we were blessed to have him in our lives, albeit a short while. I love how Queen still has a great impact on younger people discovering them.
This was used as the theme for the ‘92 Olympics held in Barcelona. Sadly Freddie passed the November before and wasn’t able to perform it live so they used the recorded footage.