Noam & I react to Barcelona, by Freddie & Montserrat

Noam ( / nanisinger ) and I are both Queen fans, but we hadn't heard the song Barcelona before: Freddie Mercury's duet with opera diva Montserrat Caballe.
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[@linororen]

Check out singwell.eu for voice tips, stories, and methods to become a better singer. I have an opera background, but teach all styles.

[@Mitchis_Euphoria]

Linor Oren please see more Freddie Mercury’s song

[@corneliusantonius3108]

Iif you like to hear and see more distorted pitched against Opera "Niightwish Phantom of the Live end of an Era with Tarja Turunen" (Opera(e)tic vocals, Marco Hietala (Bassist and male Vocals, metal, angelic , distorted voice)

[@claudiolevermag]

Already done. Monserrat used to say that what struck her about Freddie was his skill to sing a every note in its best way possible. Thank you very much for your videos. P.s. what about Jeff Buckley?

[@BLAZINGikari]

To answer your friend there is a separate MV so this aint a MV

[@BLAZINGikari]

Yes he wrote it

[@headrushindi]

Freddy was incredible, and Mosteraat was astounding we lost them both now ...How sad....but regardless of live or memorex.....How many pop stars do you know in history that could have held their own with one of the greatest Divas of all time ? just beautiful

[@christi8491]

Don't you mean with the two greatest divas of all time? :) Beautiful Freddie and Beautiful Montserrat! I wish I had known back in the day.

[@xKagryx]

When I watch them together I remember how fondly they spoke of each other in interviews. They’re having so much fun!

[@jenniferguerra1703]

Recording or not they nailed it I wish y’all would have spent more time talking about thier singing vocals rather than the fact if it was pre recorded or not either way it thier voice ❤️❤️❤️Beautiful song Freddie wrote❤️Brilliant

[@Dr.VonBraun]

Honestly? Who cares if there are microphones? Just listen!!!

[@grimbeornn]

Mr. Fahrenheit I care.

[@fsupark]

I think you're missing the point of an unplanned, honest reaction from a vocalist's perspective. There are some videos out there with egirls and eboys squealing and faking amazement simply saying "wow they're so good!" if you prefer. And if you don't want interruptions (aka reactions) from vocal coaches, I'm not sure what in your brain made you think a reaction video is better than the actual video.

[@ReallyBritishOne]

@@fsupark As it happens too, the story behind their vocal performance here is also an interesting, albeit sad one. Montsy is singing live here, Freddie is lip syncing - at the time of this performance his illness had really taken ahold and he wasn't really able to deliver in the way he might once have done - especially for a big operatic number. But they got such joy from performing with one another, and though there is a recording more commonly used as a music video for the song, this version of the performance is more often considered the go-to definitive one that people show-off. Why? Because you can see their very special friendship right here, and the fact Freddie was still determined to perform in whatever capacity he could with her that much more special... right down to the kissing of her hand, which he'd often been apprehensive about (owing to his illness again). It makes the lack of microphone a part of the story here in a way, and so much of this song is rooted in the story between the two singers. I'm always happy to know these little details, which enhance the enjoyment of listening to the art.

[@wembley636]

@@grimbeornn Why? Why do you care? I'm sure you checked out the Live performance? no?, but not stating the obvious they are there other wise it would be mute.

[@mjpleusch]

The point is this is, we have wonderful song sung my two people who loved each other. Don’t like the person on the left. Sanctimonious. Maybe she can tell us about her world famous career.

[@lindak3963]

I'm just angry. Such amazing talent and you talk over it about live vs recorded or mic or no. Leave Freddie to people who love him.

[@namanjain7710]

Agreed

[@jome7382]

Just have to say I agree with you totally.

[@rickrack4812]

Wow your comment is a bit hyperbolic... This is their reaction not yours... If you don't like it don't ever watch one of their reactions again. If you can't handle truth or facts or inquiry then you are living in your own little dream world. It is what the industry does. This is obviously a fully produced track, Is your actually angry? Overray produced music video which these 2 had nothing to do and it's production of but just reacting too?. Please try to be more stable... And put Samsung perspective, maybe

[@sardarnikaur6258]

​@@rickrack4812actually I'm glad I got a heads up so I was warned ahead of time. And yes it was annoying and you're correct I won't watch one of their reactions again

[@vochogirl]

It's so sad both are not in this world anymore.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Kattia Garro so sad, the absence of fairness in our world. I MISS Freddie as if he were my friend.

[@stevieb9399]

I wasn't aware Montserrat Caballé passed away this year - so so sad! Both artists are greatly missed!

[@edwardkent]

it is indeed,,,but on the plus side, he didn't get the chance to pass on the aids virus to 100s of other men, who are probably still alive today through his demise...................

[@ustasalexu8022]

@@edwardkent What a moron you are!

[@MRJRILEY19841]

Heart breaking they aren’t here anymore two of the greats coming together from totally separate worlds in an epic performance

[@heather937]

Beautiful singing whether live or not. They’re both amazing.

[@michaelburkey1968]

No it's a playback of the actual recording. Freddie was ill and they/he man not have wanted to sing, or it was a production decision. It's not live at all. I don't think it's meant to fool anyone, very clearly a lip-sync. This is the exact version of the record. There are no live versions of their collaboration. He wrote all the songs. She asked for a tribute to her homeland and he wrote it for her. He actually recorded most of her parts in the correct octave himself to help the process.

[@michaelburkey1968]

@UCB0ku-Ec3PEBgzIIZzIBBCw I'm aware of all of this, except he did know and let her know before even recording the album. I admit there is a bit of conjecture on my part from here say. He hadn't sang live since the 86 tour.

[@michaelburkey1968]

@UCB0ku-Ec3PEBgzIIZzIBBCw the harmonies have nothing to do with it. They could be taped with live lead vocals. If it wasn't his illness or his and his people's decision, it was the producer of the show. Either way, it's play back. We can speculate on the rest.

[@michaelburkey1968]

@UCB0ku-Ec3PEBgzIIZzIBBCw I edited for you to be more speculative.

[@marcomerzek6244]

They've never sung this song alive, neither did any other song of the album, not even during the première, for the 1992 Olympic games, held in 1988.

[@laurademarrais3248]

Michael Burkey he wasn’t ill here

[@reezlaw]

You spent way too much time wondering if this is live or what, which is completely irrelevant and misses the point entirely

[@beppo2814]

That's not missing the point. Part of why people love her reactions are because she analyzes *live* performances, how a singer is able to produce a sound, ie body position, lip movement, throat muscles straining or not, etc. If someone is just lip syncing then they can dance around and pretend to sing in all sorts of positions which in real life would affect the sound.

[@reezlaw]

@@beppo2814 I've watched other videos of hers and hence my comment. The usual process cannot be used here as it's so obviously a music video with the track from the record.

[@capitacaldera02]

I agree! That disturbed me very much. Just react to the song, please!!

[@agave20091]

Relevant or not it was W A Y too long!

[@tommywhite3545]

Must be hard analysing vocals skills when not being able to see the breathing and postures though.

[@DarkAndiel]

Chills every time I hear it, don’t care if it’s live or not

[@nyima04011]

Freddie had no voice training. Their love of music brought them together, and they were passionate about working together. So beautiful. Passion carries us through.

[@kjek1]

10 minutes of discussion on whether or not it’s live, which it very clearly isn’t.

[@KacioRMX]

Because Naomi and Linor are professionals... xD and of course they are Queen fans who also know Freddie's solo music NOPE! XD

[@kjek1]

KacioRMX hang on a second, if they’re professionals AND queen fans shouldn’t they be able to deduce that it’s not live in 30 seconds like I did?

[@anaxd8319]

They might get confused. Besides that they are professionals according to me and can be fans of Queen

[@jerimyspencer1541]

Freddie co-wrote most of the album if not all of it with Mike Moran, and had the famous Tim Rice (The Lion King) write some lyrics. For the 25th anniversary of the album they gutted the synthesizer tracks and replaced them with a faithfully orchestrated 80 piece orchestra backing up Fred and Montserrat’s original vocal tracks.... and it’s stunning. They included Fred’s demo of a song he wrote for Montserrat with Mike on piano (replaced by the orchestra) and Fred imitating the opera singer herself. It was called El Ensueno, but the non lyrical Freddie demo with the orchestra was released by its original label, Exercises in Free Love.

[@dodiesdiary]

Some where on KZbin there is an interesting audio only when M was invited to Freddie's London home. She left at dawn after they had spoken, laughed, and sang the night away! It's rather touching and delightful to listen to them interacting. They obviously cared for each other very much. R.I.P. M & F

[@sharky1561]

Freddie loved opera and was nervous but excited to do this.Montserrat in the beginning was not so excited opera and rock are totally different she thought,until she heard freddie sing.then she wanted to do this to.She said that freddie could play with his voice as no other singer could and that he had a heart of an operasinger.They developed a close friendship She was heartbroken when she heard freddie had passed.She loved him until the day she died.

[@sharky1561]

@Zee Steele Freddie (Please not Freddy)Was very close with montserrat but if he would go for women it would be Mary Austin the love of his life as he called her( He sang love of my life for her).,But montserrat and Freddie were really close friends and Freddie did admire her singing.

[@nelgonz1428]

@Zee Steele According to some of his documentaries they were sexually intimate with each other.

[@georgia5341]

Nel Gonz As if. He had aids. Remember? The shit that is spread! Unbelievable!

[@susancooper3111]

@@nelgonz1428 How sad to even consider such nonsense written by God only knows who u heard that from.. Maybe I can explain why u were deceived. Freddie knew about his illness before he ever met her. And he was bisexual, not gay by his own admission. Freddie loved 'experimental' sex, he wanted to experience it in many forms is all... The women he chose to live with, & there were quite a few, Mary Austin, Barbara Valentin, Rose somebody, ) &/or sleep with, we firmly know physically he was always only involved with women who were beautiful &sexy , MC was clearly not his "type" shall we say . I myself, in my humble opinion,, think SHE did fall for HIM, BIGTIME ! So I do see why u may think that... Just the way she looks at him. And her home is filled with framed pictures of him as shown in a video. So have millions of others.. , male, female, 'undecideds ' even ... because of his sexuality, charisma, physical attractiveness, it's hard not to. Look at him! The WORLD fell in love with him as a person with astounding talent like no others ! As for Montsy, bless her memory, no! He also knew he was ill so he wouldn't have..... But they became very good friends according to his close friends based upon their desire to sing together & their respect for one another. I hope I've helped u understand. Freddie was a classy sophisticate due to his parents' upbringing but tried to never answer questions about himself for their Zoroastrian religious beliefs. Bisexuality was FORBIDDEN & didn't want his parents to have to answer questions about him, & also he thought it might affect the band Queen in a negative way in the 1970s & 1980s when it was so much more unacceptable than today. I hope I've helped. Now go watch their videos 🤗& just forget such nonsense & just get into the magnificent music legacy he left for us all. There will never be anyone as loved by his fans as THE LEGEND Freddie Mercury ❤

[@tsukigalleta]

This song's lyrics describe the first time Freddie and Monste met. He first saw her in an opera concert and was astounded. I don't know a thing about opera, but according to Freddie she was the best singer he ever heard. They arranged a meeting and it seems both of them were very nervous. That day they spent the night at Freddie's house improvising until 6 in the morning! This is all true, there are recordings of their improvisations. They became great friends. She passed away only a couple of months ago. Thank you both so much for this reaction!! :D

[@TheClassicWorld]

I thought he first saw her on TV, not at an opera concert? I remember hearing that in one of the documentaries. She was also the first person to find out he was dying (HIV). He told her in 1986 to 'stay away/don't touch me'. She clearly knew something was wrong with him, that he was ill. Later he told the band, of course.

[@tsukigalleta]

@@TheClassicWorld No, it was in a concert in Spain. She was one of the guest singers, the main ones were Carreras, Pavarotti and Domingo, I think. And she indeed was one of the first ones to know, but not the first. The first one was Miami Beach :) Well, actually the first one was his boyfriend Jim, of course

[@janslowhand1684]

the first time Freddie saw her was when his personal assistant took him to the opera in London. He was impressed by Pavarotti but when she appeared his jaw literally dropped and he constantly asked questions who she, when she appear next time ,do you have her recordings etc

[@tsukigalleta]

@@janslowhand1684 Oh, London. I thought it was Spain because they did meet for the first time in Barcelona (even though they spent the night in Freddie's house, so I'm guessing they took a plane? I don't know). Thanks! I know that thing of him asking her not to touch him isn't true. He said it was his duty to tell her and she answered it wasn't, but she was grateful he did because that meant he considered her a friend

[@janslowhand1684]

@@tsukigalleta First time he saw her and heard her voice was in London in 1983 I think but first time he met her and talked to her and presented his recordings(Excercises In Free Love) was in 1986 in Barcelona.

[@Tina-ru3fn]

Freddie adored opera and Montserrat. He was living out his dream here. I got goosebumps. I like that you said he had somewhat of an operatic voice himself. I love your videos about Freddie. 🙏

[@Wonky-Donkey]

They did make an album together. It's called Barcelona and it has some fantastic songs.

[@timeisart1320]

the fallen priest is a classic from the album

[@samtaurus007]

At the start of this, it's like watching Brando give a moving performance.....and zeroing in and focusing on a moth in the background..... :)

[@neuron05]

I don't think your friend would be fun at parties. Stiff is a word that comes to mind.

[@TheSiameseDreamer]

These two were the ultimate pairing.

[@sandrabrown427]

Don't have this woman with you again. Please. Just listen to this beautiful song!!

[@bruzerbites1318]

Thankyou for reviewing! So nice you read the comments and requests. I have been a huge Freddie fan for years and this has always been one of my favorites not only because of his and Montserrat's beautiful friendship but because Freddie always lived opera and I believed this made him really happy. You can also find in You tube their recordings at his piano at his house late one night after meeting. The joy and laughter of them both make me cry

[@peterscottmorgan1]

The King and Queen of their respective genres came together with mutual admiration to make some magic. Each loved the other's work, so this was a match made in heaven and made for a great album.

[@richardbradbury9105]

They both loved each other for their music! Yes they did a fantastic album that took 18 months to make! I’m pleased you both think Freddie is one of your favourite singers. I think he deserves to be, I haven’t found anybody better. Nice to see you both smiling and enjoying doing the reactions and a fun ending 😍

[@kendallneason3645]

Check out Exercises In Free Love by Freddie Mercury where he sings both Caballe and his parts - the music. No words. It’s incredible what he was able to do. The whole Barcelona album is amazing.

[@mariocomeq1961]

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚 Mercury had been a long-time fan of opera, especially favouring 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲́.[2] In 1986, he mentioned on Spanish television that he would be glad to see her in person. They had a friendly initial meeting in Barcelona in February 1987. Later, when the city had been chosen for the 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟮 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀, Caballé, a native of the city, was asked to help with producing a song for the games. She summoned Mercury for the task.[1] Caballé became enthusiastic about the project and instead of recording a single, she proposed to make an album, on which Mercury agreed.[3] The song "𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗮" had to be its opening song, to be completed by 1988, and to be submitted as a candidate for the 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟮 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 (the selection was scheduled for 1988, four years before the Games).[4] The recording was complicated by Caballé's tight schedule. Thus to spare her time, Mercury recorded the song, singing Caballé's part in falsetto. He would then send a tape to Caballé to prepare her for the joint studio sessions. The song was 𝗰𝗼-𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘆 with Mike Moran, who also appeared in its video and played piano and all keyboards for the studio recording. ■ The song was 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 in 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟳, at the Ibiza festival, held at the Ku nightclub (now Privilege Ibiza, the "world's largest nightclub").[9] ■ Its next important performance occurred on 𝟴 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟴, at the 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗮 𝗡𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮l in Barcelona. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHmnd6JmgrySpJo 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟵𝟵𝟭, and the recording of the song was played over a travelogue of the city at the start of the international broadcast of the 1992 Olympics opening ceremony. ■ 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘆 & 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲́ - 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗮 (𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟳) The Director was David Mallet and it was filmed at Pinewood Studios in London. The single was released in the UK on 26th October 1987. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2LJmoKAeb10Y6c ■ 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟳 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoGqdKCudpJ7o8U [Source: Wikipedia]

[@rozzie101]

I heard when Freddie recorded the demo of Barcelona, Freddie sang both his part and the Lady part.

[@sandrahilton3239]

Its live and they also sang it at the opening of the Barcelona olympic games.

[@SMewett]

She was his favourite opera singer and he wrote a few songs for her 👍🏼

[@patriciadowning4036]

They became very good friends and respected one another greatly. She was one of the people he allowed near him towards the end of his life. At this point, he was already very ill.

[@Hadesdidit]

I wonder were you both be in 20 years, performance wise, and who's gonna react to your KZbin videos or live performances ... BTW, who in the world is Noah?? Mics or not, 2 amazing divas ! Freddie will always be the best front men of all times! He was dieing, have some respect and just enjoy one of the many masterpieces he created!!

[@GEGE-bx3fj]

This was one of his all time highlights of his career for him. He held her in very high regards. So much respect for her, bar none. U can tell he was getting quite ill at this stage of his life ......and he STILL nailed it Fr across the waters Edmonton Alberta Canada 🇨🇦 🐥🐥🐥hugs and all that stuff

[@jozefhatert6231]

Two musical giants on stage shame both are gone now what a beautifull duet

[@eileentsiapanos5430]

Not just appearance. They were actually great friends.

[@stephenlane9127]

It was recorded live (you need to do your research before reviewing & reacting) you cant see the microphones, there is tonnes of information about the performance on the net

[@peterturner9941]

The music and the lyrics to this song make me want to visit Barcelona

[@dianefowler8779]

You both need to see The Golden Boy with Freddie and Montserrat. Watch the joy on her face all the way through. The had a fabulous time doing with number.

[@jester5019]

A shame, this wasn't one of you best videos. It was clearly playback so why waste so much time debating it. A quick look on Google would tell you this was never sung with live vocals. Once you clicked you barely spoke.

[@jester5019]

The only performance close to being live would be from a studio outtake where he sang it start to finish... both parts!

[@thesadavacantist5194]

Freddy wrote the song for montserrata because he loved her so much.

[@rosamariamartosbotella5490]

In 1992 we celebrate in Barcelona my city, the Olimpic Games and the best way to do that is with this song Barcelona sinfín by the most Iconic Rock sinceramente and one of the most important Opera singer of all times, born in Barcelona and die a few years ago.

[@RastaSaiyaman]

About the orchestra. On the recording, Freddie wanted to have the LSO playing but they didn't want to work with a mere rock singer, bunch of purists twits they were. So Freddie had a couple of classically trained musicians come in (only four of them) to record the violin parts and the trumpets but the rest of it was all done by Freddie on synthesizers. Ans judging by how the result sounds, he did a killer job here.

[@jennyskaggs6736]

I hadn't heard that before but I'm not surprised. He was such a talented soul.

[@krypto_9872]

its funny cause on the 2012 version the LSO finally came to their senses and played on it

[@charleskallay5484]

Freddie was a huge fan of Montserrat he loved her voice Barcelona was written for the Olympics

[@geraldinereilly5931]

I read in one of the books about Freddie. The equipment broke down...he was willing to sing live but it didn't work out.

[@curlyken01]

This song is more than 20 years old, I find it hard to believe that you have never heard it before if you are Queen fans.

[@95KIPPIE]

He wrote it at her request, in fact he wrote 10 songs with this specifically in mind for her for her home country. They were very very good friends

[@colleenbush4028]

I am wondering if you would do a video of Freddie's singing from earlier in his career - early to mid 70's. As a fan, I think he has three distinct vocal phases in his life, but I am by no means a professional. Of course, there are no live performances after 1986, so comparison to his later years is limited. Thanks!

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

@Colleen Bush, I have thought exactly the SAME thing re. there being three distinctly different time periods to the vocal characteristics of Freddie's singing

[@SVG4ever]

Montserrat Caballe had an incredible Voice Control

[@johnc3403]

...and titty control too. If I tried to sing like that my titties would be all over the place !

[@cree_VI]

Freddie actually liked opera and felt big admiration to Montserrat Caballe. They become very close friends. There is interview and records about it.

[@randomshotinthedark]

He had her in mind, as this song was in response to her asking for a tribute to her homeland. It was always his wish to perform with her. When he met her he had intended to one song, but she said she'd be open to an album. so it all worked out in the end :)

[@tonemarieantonsen1597]

They really loved and admired itchother very much.They were a power duo. ❤❤ If i remember correctly Peter Freestone Freddies personal assistant said Freddie and Montserrat hadn't time to rehearse before the show so they used playback even though Freddie hated lipsinc .Freddie was always well rehearsed before shows and wouldn't sing with out being that.You can't believe Freddie have aids. He was a brave man. Great you reacted to this beautiful song ☺❤

[@belladonna9683]

Enjoy your reactions! As a long time lover of both Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe's music, I tried to track this down. From what I've read, there were actually 2 live performances of some tracks of Barcelona - first in 1987 and second in 1988. Freddie did not, to the best of my knowledge, lip sync. Don't know about Montserrat, but can't help asking "WHY would she?!" The quality of this particular video was barely audible. There's another one out there MUCH better! Too bad you didn't use that one. I think you would both really enjoy Freddie's "Exercises in Free Love," in which he sings the soprano vocal tones from Barcelona, accompanied only by Mike Moran on piano. Truly remarkable.

[@ustasalexu8022]

Yes, it was lip synced

[@roccoterzo]

one of the best combinations in the music

[@modernclics]

He wrote it for Montsy, Barcelona was the place where they first met.

[@joserobertofongnakazawa2439]

you lost time arguing about a lip syncing, and lost the best part of the song

[@Duci66]

The album was my birthday present in 1993

[@shirleymullen430]

Montserrat Caballe is actually from Barcelona. I also read that they played this song for the Olympics when it was in Barcelona.

[@DS-it7ir]

It’s and opera based performance they don’t need microphones especially with those 2 powerful voices combined on one stage

[@clevelandnative7175]

I believe there is a 3 or 4 part KZbin video series with Montserrat about her collaboration with Freddie Mercury. It’s worth the watch.

[@karelmarkvart1517]

I was only 10 yrs old and I sill remember our local TV showed this all the time during summer olympics. Loved this song back then and I love it today too.... wish I could experience it once more for the first time, being small boy...

[@ravensrulzaviation]

It was live. The song was written for the Barcelona Olympics.

[@dianefowler8779]

I read somewhere that because of illness, he was unable to sing, so they played back a rehearsal performance for this live appearance.

[@adrianstabbins6357]

He loved her so much. Another great reaction, and good to have two of you to discuss it.

[@wesleymartin1554]

The sound equipment was British and the cameras were Spanish so they hat to edit about every 6 seconds so it wouldn't show to badly that they were running at different speeds. Also when they met, Montserrat asked Freddie if he would write something for her and he thought she mean't one or two songs, but she shocked him by asking how many songs go on to an album.

[@michaelrunnels7660]

Interesting. You two talk about microphones and lip syncing for several minutes. Neither of you seem to be interested in the singing. I wonder if, when people watch either one of you perform, they are more concerned with determining if you are lip syncing or what you are wearing than the music you are performing. As I said, interesting.

[@renee2004padin]

this recording is from the year 1987 ... after there are two more presentations 1988 ... this beautiful song was going to be the official song of the 1992 BARCELONA Olympics ... but unfortunately Fredy died earlier in 1991 and it could not be the song ceremony official ... two unforgettable singers ... eternal ...

[@mindistewart3251]

I thought "the point" was to enjoy the music. They did actually sing it either when it was recorded or for this performance.

[@thomasanderson5929]

Can you ladies make a reaction video WITHOUT stopping every 15 seconds? It KILLS the flow of a natural reaction.

[@yvettecampos8500]

Freddie wrote this song for Caballe. Hard to believe but Freddie was dying during this time period. He was given the news that he had AIDS and didn't have much time to live. If I'm not mistaken, they did lip sync because Freddie had to save his voice because of his illness. By the way, Freddie HATED to lip sync. He was a true believer in singing everything live. He was definitely forced to do the song this way for this performance.

[@spnhm34]

Linor and mood killer, great!

[@remocarrer3098]

Youre maybe really too young but it was LIVE! It was the hymn for Olympic games in Barcelona! No neck mics!!!

[@Hitmonstahp]

Not true. It was *intended* to be performed at the 1992 Olympics by the two of them, but Freddie died before it could become a reality. If I remember correctly, Montserrat Caballé /did/ perform it live alongside a recording of Freddie Mercury's part of the song at the Olympics - but that's not what this version is.

[@Kitkat-lc7ip]

It's live according to every search I could find

[@lclealgmail]

Try "How can i go on"

[@j1ey1s1o1n]

Up

[@carlosvega4625]

@@j1ey1s1o1n Ensueño ;)

[@Dirtcowboy95]

@@carlosvega4625 That's a beautiful song!

[@poppypalais3108]

According to every source on the internet, such as wikipedia, they performed live 3 times, and if you listen to the La Nit performance on KZbin, it does sound different than the usual recorded version. I don't have a clue either way, so please don't slag me off:-) I'd be very interested to know for sure though.

[@DukeEnlil]

Freddie & Montserrat - How Can I Go On

[@wembley636]

I don't think Freddie was wanting to imitate an opera singer, far from it, he loved the opera, one of your replies (if you read it) stated (and I agree) "Monserrat used to say that what struck her about Freddie was his skill to sing a every note in its best way possible."

[@vegieveganic7963]

Sorry! I don’t remember the name, but There is a documentary video here on KZbin which telling all about how they met in Barcelona and why Freddy wrote the song.

[@richardlemon4518]

It was for the 92 Olympics in Barcelona

[@judithhand4987]

I agree with many below. I wouldn't assume that they've no mics and I certainly wouldn't say they are lip synching! We agree on the positive theatrics of their gesturing. This meant a lot to Freddie Mercury, that Mrs. Caballe' would work with him. From interviews, it sounds that she really enjoyed it, too. Beautiful that this happened when it did. I hope that those of Barcelona valued it! Her voice is so beautiful. I must admit that I'd not known of her before the Freddie collaboration. What a wonderful, beautiful find. In America, Joan Sutherland was the known diva, years ago. I heard another woman from Scandinavia Christa Ludwig (forgive me, if wrong).

[@Ingens_Scherz]

This is just a re-enactment of the 1986 video, darlings. The original studio production (of Freddie's song that he wrote for her) was way too complex ever to perform live, so they never tried. And, more importantly, she - a thermonuclear opera singer - would have completely blown out even Freddie in any live version. And Freddie knew that!

[@whity4584]

Goosebumps

[@williamjordan8603]

Lip-synched. All the background voices are probably Freddie's also. This was made to be a video.

[@ustasalexu8022]

Not all of course! Freddie's are backing Freddie and Montserrat's are backing Montserrat! It's so obvious!

[@ravensrulzaviation]

Freddie was magical, just magical. Everything he touched turned to success, it was also not long after that he got very sick and passed on in 91

[@yvaine12]

Like others already said, Freddie was sick and didn't feel comfortable singing these type of songs in front of an audience anyway. I would also like to add that Montserrat said in an interview that Freddie had tears in his eyes when kissing her hand at the end of the performance, because he knew it would be his last one. I believe his last live singing performance was with Queen in Knebworth 1986, and for the musical Time in 1988 (there's no video recording of it but it's possible to find the audio on youtube - somebody correct me if I'm wrong).

[@jester5019]

You're dead right

[@cuc321]

No, we really do not know why they did not perform this live since it was performed in May 1987, just a couple of weeks since Freddie got diagnosed with aids. The other songs, performed in October 1988, were also lip-synced because of lack of time, according to Montserrat Caballé, remember that The Miracle sessions began in January 1988 all the way through February 1989.

[@hmwr0h]

@@cuc321 Recording sections and live performances are WAY different..

[@cuc321]

Fabian Sanson Who said that they are the same? The Miracle sessions had over 30 songs submitted (not all recorded though), they were recording between Olympic Studios and The Townhouse in London, and Mountain Studios in Montreux, so you do really think that’s a pretty easy and not consuming time job?, and also, like I said, Montserrat Caballé stated that there’s was not much free time to do rehearsals.

[@rudigerk]

It's lip sync .. and yes Freddie wrote the Song for Montserrat Caballè.

[@MyFizzypop]

the first song they both wrote together when they both met together in hotel lobby

[@sandrabrown427]

Try "How Can I Go On" with Freddie and Montserratt

[@Joelhzy]

Freddie was once a opera singer when he was much younger

[@janettesinclair6279]

I don’t think that is correct.😊

[@vakhv2493]

I cannot beleive it - what, you never hears Montcerrat before???? Come on!

[@TheTaghy]

Freddie couldn't sing live with Montserrat because was too sick! 💔

[@bobbiewallace4008]

Freddie loved opera best

[@jayg1285]

It was a live performance..,,1987.

[@timometsanoja9666]

The opera singer wasn't too eager to do this, but after seeing and hearing what this particular rock singer brought to the table, she was sold... And they remained good friends until the day Freddie left this world. Freddie was one of a kind and a total unique performer and his voice is one of a kind... The kind that shouldn't be coming out of a human...

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

i think the version where Freddie is wearing a black tux & Montserrat Caballe is wearing a black gown is an actual LIVE PERFORMANCE --- does anyone else know?

[@GergC0521]

So loved Freddie's personality and voice and this song is just so beautiful. They blend well. There is a singer with a powerful voice you dont expect looking at him, and goes back and forth from the full voice to growl effortlessly. Devin Townsend. His performance of his song Kingdom live is a fine example. Cheers!

[@stonecoldsober1299]

I love Nani!!!! Way cool sense of humor and beautiful too...

[@KacioRMX]

You and Naomi are Queen fans and you don't heared Barcelona before? Are you real fans? ;)

[@DanEllis]

Are you a real gatekeeper?

[@giro6669]

😂😂😂

[@LisaCupcake]

Only teenagers feel the need to know every single detail of every song and performance. I'll bet you know what his favorite color was, too.

[@alessandrozigliani2615]

@@LisaCupcake well you are very rough and needlessly so... Barcelona is not a queen's song... for all that matters it is not just some song of sorts. But what you say is true for most artists in pop/rock music whose production is 90% worthless - that is except for a few hits - not so much for queen...

[@Bibiana862]

it was recording in Ibiza 1987