Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé "Barcelona" REACTION Video | first time hearing this song react

[@BlueJay2929]

It was written by Freddie for the Olympics 1992 but was performed in 88 as he was dying

[@snowysnowyriver]

Montserrat was one of the very few people who knew that Freddie was dying. This performance was so it could be screened in place of a live performance at the opening of the Barcelona Olympic Games. When Montserrat put forward that they sing it there, Freddie broke it to her that he had full-blown AIDS and would be dead by then. She faithfully kept his secret. It was years before she revealed what she knew, and Freddie had long left us. 😢

[@marciaeliasen4708]

Just a note -- Freddie was afraid that his 'active' style on stage might overshadow Montserrat (by the way you said her name just fine!), until he remembered that whenever she came on stage she came like a volcano! Then he expressed concern that she might present some competition! They did have a wonderful friendship and she attended his funeral as well as a statue of him at his favorite place on Lake Geneva. We lost Montserrat, called La Superbain opertic circles, and considered by many to be the last of the great operatic divas in 2018. She did sing "Barcelona" for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona with a holographic image of Freddie shown singing his part.

[@zauberfee2492]

@@marciaeliasen4708 Sie konnte ander Beerdigung nicht teil nehmen soviel ich weiß. Tourdaren🙂

[@alanfoster6589]

Caballe wasn't just an opera singer. Many considered her the finest soprano of the 20th century.

[@peterscottmorgan1]

Freddie thought just that, hence he wrote an entire album for them to perform once she expressed an interest in doing one. RIP Freddie and Monserrat. "If God willing we will meet again, someday".

[@Ahasveros7674]

Maria Callas

[@martinbynion1589]

The answer to every question involving sopranos and the 20th century! I am sure that Callas had the edge in character and Caballe definitely led in beautiful sound. Still, what would be the point of life if we didn't all have different opinions? 🙂@@Ahasveros7674

[@ulicat6742]

Try to find Montserrat Caballé singing Casta Diva in Orange (Fr) Several vidéos available in KZbin. Even Callas didn't arrivé to such a perfection. (Just check the pianissimo, and the impossible fiato

[@robertsimpson1824]

What a loss but they in heaven together now

[@ricardoomarpaolucci5676]

Hello, that charismatic woman was the most important soprano in spain (1933-2018). Freddie was always fascinated with her voice and her personality and before he died (1991) he proposed record a cd (1987-1988) for the Barcelona song to be used at the opening of the 1992 Olimpic Games. HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lev147]

The line ' the moment you stepped into the room you took my breath away ' Freddie wrote that about a true experience he had with Montserrat in Paris. Very few people blew Freddie away but she was one.

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

watching your faces during the first verse. This song and others he has writen just hit like that. He had a bit of crush on her, and after meeting her and spending HOURS together, he wrote this for her.

[@deborahdennehy9937]

The spectacular Freddie wrote this song, & adores opera, especially Montserrat Caballé. Sadly they have both died now, so heartbreaking, but just fabulous to see on stage together - SUPERB!! 💝💝💝💝

[@otisroseboro5613]

Rip To 2 Great Singer's & Icon's, Still Miss You Both , Always 😢

[@madreh7549]

she loved him so much she said it and also Freddie loved her and admired her a LOT !! The respect they had for each other was so deep, i watched a documentary whe she tells everything about how they come to do that album. Monserat told once she asked Freddie to song like the tenor he was with her, and he answer "no I can't do that, because nobody will recognize me!".

[@kimberleyphillips6671]

He wrote this for her. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@vilijaa1821]

Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé had full album!

[@PamDalsini]

Freddy wrote this for them to perform for the Olympics at Barcelona. Freddy was a wonderful composer. After this, Montserrat Caballe insisted that Freddy write an album for them to perform together!

[@nagisaoguro933]

Freddie reached out to her as he had always admired her. He knew he had limited time left and his dream came true when she agreed to collaborate. The sad part was this song was the theme song for the Barcelona Olympics which Freddie did not get the chance to perform live as he had passed away. Beautiful masterpiece

[@johnfarmer7119]

Freddie knows and has a huge grin on him face. 🥰 What a genius, humble soul. He hated interviews and it showed but his one liners kept him sane. LOL What a loving man. Hugs, Freddie 🤗

[@robertolucena9253]

@@johnfarmer7119 In this performance (I read it a while ago) his leg was hurting (I think Caballé knew) due to some illness from the virus, people can notice that he doesn't move around much on stage like he used to.

[@pauldavis6390]

The Summer Olympics were held in Barcelona after this came out. 3 guesses which song was used as the theme tune for the Olympics that year.

[@blackmore56]

"WE WILL MEET AGAIN ONE DAY". Love your reactions. Respect from Melbourne, Oz.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Freddie was born to perform..heart breaking he left us so early..and now this great lady too..maybe they are singing in Heaven. You ladies look like sisters by the way ...

[@bibkapriel9366]

🎉she was worldwide knowing diva

[@angelofederico6768]

missed this duet with FM and Ms. Caballe, what a treat. Che bella muzica.

[@Steina_The_Yarnist]

I've heard that Freddy arrived an hour early for their first meeting because he was so excited that she wanted to sing with him.

[@philld1201]

Yes indeed. The story how they met can be seen here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpy8gmysr86HpNk&ab_channel=paranabrasuca1

[@garthwick19]

Freddie will always be special. And Montserrat was really the best female soprano of her generation.

[@kwasimoto2008]

RIP Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Anibal8791]

"Por tí seré gaviota de tu bella mar". Tremendo.

[@otisroseboro5613]

A Great Duet

[@conchilopez4202]

Magnífico Freddie y monce how cant I goon💋👍👏💃💓🎶👍👍👍

[@margaretnicol3423]

So sad that neither of them are with us now. RIP - and thank you for the joy you gave us.

[@terencecarroll1812]

This was the anthem for the Barcelona Olympics (1988 I think but could be wrong)

[@suelutz5364]

I think you are right.

[@deadlyredly1]

Both of them are so in awe of each other and each others talent - it is beautiful

[@emilio0483]

She is one of the greatest opera singers of the history

[@davidhoward5392]

Freddie was in total awe of this ladies voice, they became very close

[@debschmitt761]

I hope you get a chance to view some of the interviews about Freddie and Monserrate. He was very excited to meet her and she loved working with him. This song makes me tear up , it's just so beautiful and passionate.

[@philipking6590]

You should find and watch all the songs they did live in Barcelona "Le Nit" in front of the fountain in Barcelona all stunning

[@raymondhoward9173]

You two look fantastic ❤❤❤❤❤great song

[@davidhoward5392]

Sometimes words are just not enough, the young lady having a touch of the " vapours " watching this..

[@melissaleigh5220]

Perfect ❤

[@roddiener1235]

Theirs was a love affair of mutual respect and admiration as artists, they were great friends, both are missed greatly.....

[@I.am.Iain-81]

Freddie considered her as one of the best signers of all time! You are correct, this was a separate project for Freddie away from the band. It was used as the music for the 1992 Olympics but sadly Freddie pasted in 1991 was wasn't able to perform it at the games.

[@antifax8434]

Fantàstic vídeo for a Fantàstic City and for fantástic song ❤❤❤

[@Simmer1983]

They did a whole album together. It's great and it shows how versatile Freddie was as a songwriter/singer/performer. The performance of "How Can I Go On" is also very nice.

[@johnfarmer7119]

Yes, it is. Another masterpiece collaboration.

[@benmalley79]

I can’t find it unfortunately

[@frank9446]

If you thought that was spectacular, you should watch the version that was recorded in Barcelona. That was a massive live performance, complete with fireworks, smoke and fountains.

[@Karenbutnotone]

The whole Barcelona album is spectacular. you both will love it. I really enjoyed your reaction and your true emotions!

[@Сибирьпин]

Монсеррат Кабалье - великая певица планеты Земля !

[@eh-i1841]

Just utterly fabulous💕

[@brianrix4131]

Great reaction ladies!!

[@stephenhanft1226]

I never heard this one, either. I have always been a major Queen fan but am more familiar with their 70's to early 80's material. I was pleasantly surprised. This really shows the versatility to Freddy Mercury.'s talents. Very impressive.

[@generationgapreacts]

So glad we discovered the song! It’s amazing

[@c.p.6987]

The Golden Boy is an another beautyful song with Freddie and monserat!

[@jenskater3900]

She was an Opera Superstar!

[@GeneralSaltykov]

this song always takes me back to Barcelona Olympic Games evenings, when tv tsransmissions always ended with this song... and the day before the Olympics started one dj in the radio just played the whole album,... God this does bring some fantastic memories!

[@martinbynion1589]

For the first time watching this reaction, I concentrated mostly on Mum *G* ...and saw a completely different picture. WOW! She was almost as amazing as Freddie and Montsy! *LOL*

[@peterratter6603]

I love the shout-out they give each other about 2/3 in... Freddy: "And cry!" Montserrat: "Grita!" Freddy: "Caballe!" Montserrat: "Freddy!" Together: "And shake the foundations of the sky!"

[@brendayoungblood9484]

The two of them were great friends and had a great deal of love and respect for each other and it shows.

[@michaelaldan6969]

yes...once in a life time will we hear this...and never will we hear it again

[@graham7924]

So Beautiful I’m glad you reacted to it. Another Great song with an Opera singer in Is Luciano Pavarotti & James Brown It’s a mans world Another great collaboration

[@ono1dij]

The whole album "Barcelona" is a amazing masterpiece, absolutely brilliant, and no one expected that when it was released... R.I.P. Freddie and Monserrat, bless them forever

[@alfonsomartin1523]

This song was composed by Freddie for the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain

[@martinsummers7347]

Greetings from London. A great choice. 24th November is the date Freddie passed in 1991. On 24th Nov, I will be at Freddie's house (Mary Austin still lives there) & leave yellow flowers by garden door🌻. A number of people attend on / around that date.🌻

[@gearheadmn]

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.

[@ythomitnellum]

They also had a body of water outside the 19th century Municipal Hall, and at about 9pm they played this with a water show from fountains around the water; absolutely spectacular.

[@janicetrimmell6897]

This has just energized me for the night. Wow, how they combined a pop and operatic voice to come up with this wonderful song is just outstanding. I am still impressed with Freddie Mercury's perfect articulation and ability to blend. Whoa. This is great. It was written for the Barcelona Olympics.

[@dtwolfe63]

This was DEFINITELY the best reaction to this song I have ever heard. The appreciation for the genre and performance was second to none. Montserrat Caballe (and you have the pronunciation almost perfect... the "ls" are not pronounced...in Spanish "ll" is pronounced like a "y") was Freddie's favorite singer and he wanted to meet her badly. His manager contacted hers and they met in her apartment in Spain and became soulmates. She asked him to compose some music that they could perform together and this is one of the best. This performance was basically a submission to the Olympic committee to be the official song for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Unfortunately he passed before the Games, but the song was indeed included in the program. Montserrat was one of the few that Freddie told about his AIDS status and they were close until the day he died... Such a remarkable story. They did a whole album together and those songs are also available here on KZbin.

[@carolespinoza8469]

So. Beautiful 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@JamesAHirons_]

As a Freddie fan of five decades, I'd bet he would've been an awesome Phantom Of The Opera

[@tubbybrutus]

well watching this i think moms face says it all about this duet i remember this coming out and loved it from day one

[@abrahampresence8297]

Monseratt Cabale one of the truly great sopranos of the twentieth century. Known for her ability to sing a pianissimo on a high note and holding that note for many counts.

[@janicelsutton9437]

Great reaction. I bought the Barcelona album after watching this video, and then read up on the backstory of Freddie and Montserrat. They were definitely a mutual admiration society, and became the best of friends. The entire album is amazing and Freddie co-wrote the music. You definitely should react to The Golden Boy, live at La Nit. It's a true masterpiece.

[@Melissa02891]

How can I go on is my favorite Freddie Mercury and Monseratte Cabellé song, exhilarating to hear them sing together.

[@domsavvy7908]

Hooray Momma Gap so glad you loved it I knew you would. I recommended this for you on the first ever live stream (the one that went wrong). It's such a great song I'm sure loads of others recommended it to but I'm gonna claim it for now lol!

[@generationgapreacts]

Yes it was you that recommended it! ☺️

[@domsavvy7908]

@@generationgapreacts It's lovely to see how you both react to songs that are a bit different like this one and the Shakespears sister Stay one I recommended on the halloween stream. I'll get my thinking cap on for the next live!

[@Fnug001]

Freddie had 3 idols she was one of Them they became friends the 2 other idols was at his tribute concert Elizabeth Taylor gave a speech and Liza Minelli sang one of there songs . Monserat sadly passed away some time ago

[@generationgapreacts]

Very sad. Beautiful woman and beautiful voice

[@Chinachik]

New subscriber here! I binged all of your Bee Gees reactions yesterday, and returned today for the reaction to this timelessly fabulous work of art by Freddie and Montserrat Caballe! It brought me to tears the first time I ever heard it and today it did the same. Thank you for your wonderful reactions. I love this channel!!

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you so much RM! We appreciate your support and lovely comment ☺️

[@richardmoore2124]

Freddie wasn't just a rock singer. HE WAS A WORLD CLASS SINGER! AND THIS PROVES IT!

[@brucedillinger9448]

Your reaction is priceless! I can see how this touched you emotionally. A stunning performance, eh? ✌

[@alanshave8010]

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, ive been waiting for your reaction to this song, there are some performances that transend all others, this is one of those, but of course freddie had many, and i loved watching you sitting there stunned at what you were seeing, long live the the King.

[@richardtremmel4024]

May I suggest Linda Ronstadt "Pirates of Penzance - Poor Wandering One" a different side of her

[@spacefanatic]

Freddie could sing anything. You should listen to 'Excercises in Free Love' which he did to show off the range of his voice. You will not believe it.

[@hannesvanaarde8514]

This song gets me ever since I heard it first and brings me to tears every single time I listen/watch the song!I am now in my 60s and still it hits me very hard. BARCELONA,because it is my most favorite City in Europe!I live in Cape Town South Africa and we go to Barcrlona every year!And it is an amazing compliment to the City and these two absolute Legends!The young lady being brought to tears here did exactly the same for me..again and again and again!Viva Barcelona!

[@joaofreitas9651]

Montserrat Caballé Maravilhosa !!!!!!! Brazil !

[@davidpark3974]

This is one of the best songs they did together they really got on well together there was a lot of love and respect for each other, you should try and listen to another live performance they did from La Nit 1988 called How Can I Go On, magical

[@paulhorgan6152]

This song was used as the official song for the Barcelona Olimpics

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

The “background singers” are actually ALL Freddie’s voice as well in prerecorded layers.💕

[@ernieeade]

It is the shocked look on your faces as this started and watching you both be drawn into the performance is wonderful . In Barcelona on friday nights there is a spectacular dancing water fountains display with lights which plays to music and the last track is this . The audience of thousands are spell bound listening and watching the whole show , they , and me , go wild when Barcelona is played as the finale . If you are enjoying classical music try the " Barcarolle " being sung by Elina Garance and Anna Netrebko . the blend of their voices sends shivers down my spine .

[@bobblebardsley]

I think there's twice in this song where Montserrat Caballe's voice is the only thing leading into a huge crescendo, which compared with the overall scale and depth of the rest of the song, is incredibly impressive. I must have heard it a thousand times and it still gives me goosebumps.

[@johnnie3Chords]

Perfect pronunciation ! I'm a 60 year old man , Queen has been my favorite band since 74 , and I still get tears in my eyes when I watch these two together , they recorded an entire album . Great reaction , I can tell you both recognize and appreciate greatness . My all-time favorite Queen song is "Some Day One Day" written and sung by Brian, it's so hauntingly great .

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you John! We appreciate your comment

[@johnsmith-es7zk]

They did a whole album together. Check out "The Golden Boy" and "How Can I Go On".

[@jpw6893]

I like the whole album. I think 'Guide me home' and 'how can I go on' being my personal favourites.

[@ToniMcGinty]

This performance was the first ever, from a festival in Spain called "Ibiza 92" (actually taking place in 1987, but 92 was going to be (and was) a big year for Spain. There were a lot of performers onstage. Spandau Ballet were the headliners, but allowed Freddie and Montserrat to close the show off. Good job too. No-one could have followed that.

[@nightowl5395]

Thank you for that information about that particular performance.... 👍

[@bluebell3720]

It was to celebrate Barcalona holding the 92 Olympic games. Their song Barcalona was to be the Olympic song but Freddie passed in 91 Used the song as the opening showing scenes of Barcalona and events 1999 UEfA montsarat performed Barcalona with a tape of Freddie on screen

[@ToniMcGinty]

@@nightowl5395 No problem!

[@ToniMcGinty]

@@bluebell3720 True, but the performance itself was from the Festival in Ibiza, celebrating how great 92 would be for Spain (Olympics in Barcelona, Expo in Sevilla, and so on). The eventual Olympic Theme was Amigos Para Siempre by Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras.

[@donpietruk1517]

Montserrat wasn't just any opera singer. She was considered a generational talent, the greatest soprano of her generation. Freddie loved her voice and they became fast close friends when they met. When he was composing their duet album he sang all the soprano parts in falsetto at the piano to make sure they came out just right. This song is the only request Montserrat made of Freddie, that there be one song on the album about her hometown. The world is a better place for all the musical joy these two phenomenal artists gave us. Music is one of the things that brings us together as humans. Your reaction was lovely.

[@rbisschop8529]

Hello, this is very powerful song montserat and freddy who would have thought they matched so perfect with such a perfect song. I saw that it got you but then the excitemint of the finally it was just exceptionel so great it is. Thank you again for a beatiful reaction. Greetings from the netherlands

[@sabinamolinelli3618]

Love, LOVE, LOVE your reaction. So much respect between you both and an incredible song to react. ❤❤❤

[@I.am.Iain-81]

'These are the days' by Queen is worth checking out..... Freddie was very ill and close to the end of his life during the making of the video... At the end of the video looks directly into the camera and says the last four words of the song which will touch your heart!!

[@thomaskohler0178]

Oh yes, he did this with the twink of an eye and walking out of the picture, knowing it would be his last video.

[@robertedel306]

I saw her several times at the met in NYC. She is one of the greatest.

[@alexandrorocca7142]

I'm surprised that the mom didn't know the song, it was a giant hit at least in Europe, even more so after it was used during the Olympic games in Barcelona in 1992.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Yes..but they are North American maybe it wasn't a big hit there? Just a guess.

[@BackLooking]

Doesn´t seem to be live, they don´t have any microphones. But it´s a majestic song. It gets me emotional every time.

[@suelutz5364]

There seems to be a lot of questions about a "live performance" of this song. It's an amazing occurrence, however it happened. An amazing blend of two very different styles of singing, in a wonderful piece of music.

[@bpfromowc]

Excellent choice. This performance was at the Ku Club, on the island of Ibiza. Great stuff. I was also astounded the first time I saw it. 🙂 Please check out George Michael & Queen singing “Somebody To Love” at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@PeteMOBie1]

Love your reactions. if you think this was great and want more goosebumps, then you will absolutely love the slightly longer arrangement live at La Nit in 1988. You also get more of the audience and fireworks, plus a great atmosphere. Don't be confused by the projections 'Barcelona 92', as this was looking forward to the Barcelona Olympics 4 years later. This was to be the official Olympic song and be performed at the opening ceremony, but sadly Freddie passed away a year before. Freddie and Montserrat grew very close and it really knocked her for six when he passed away. Her voice is off the scale, sweet and such powerful control, especially the way she can fade in and fade out her high notes. Music should move you and this song certainly does. Well done ladies. ♥

[@johnwhalen5198]

I recommended this on another of your videos and I’m delighted you reacted to it. It’s just a wonderful masterpiece. Each time you watch it you’re just captivated. Great reaction.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

I'd not seen this, look at my boy Looking all Dapper and debonair with that voice. There was very few that liked Queen's music more than I, The Game was my last album. Rest in Peace Farrokh Bulsara*, you touched many peoples lives. *Freddies real Name. 😇

[@otisroseboro5613]

I Give This Song 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@PamDalsini]

What talent, what a gift to the world. They give their total hearts, voices and energy to the song. The entire production was wonderful!!

[@sqlGrl]

My all time favorite ❤. All the feels each time. Fantastic selection & reaction. ❤️🎼

[@giniinthebottle5777]

I remember that time very well. It was a year after Spain was admitted to the EU, and there was a kind of optimism and atmosphere of departure. The song was actually primarily a marketing product for the Olympic Games in Barcelona. I feel many Europeans, for various reasons, have a special sympathy for that city, and the song expresses that well.

[@onechopbuddy3849]

I adore how excited mom is, this was a song linked to the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 ….. I love it so much ❤

[@grahamslate4183]

They did a full album together try golden boy