Opera Singer Reacts to Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé Barcelona | MASTERCLASS |

[@Rosiepooh75]

Freddie adored Montserrat, and wrote an entire album to collaborate with her, with this being the title track...

[@tiniselles]

I’ve listened to the whole album so many times, great!

[@javinnelaureen]

😊 The entire album is a masterpiece.... Soooo good.

[@t0dd000]

I knew about this collaboration. I didn't know about the album. Just … awesome. I'll have to check it out.

[@johnojvind7641]

Unfortunate they never sang it Live but only playback.

[@aresfabrega1977]

I still remember when Freddie passed away, Caballé was devastated. They became very good friends

[@andreakormosnekacso4804]

Freddie Mercury was so much more than a rock singer, he was a brilliant musician, an excellent singer, songwriter, storyteller. Thanks for the deep analysis. They adored each other, and Montserrat was brave enough to take the risk of singing with a rock star, because she recognized The Musician in Freddie instantly.

[@justinporter6236]

Freddy was said to have considered this his proudest work. He adored Caballe and wanted her to have as wide an audience as he could offer.

[@4721lynn]

So sad that he never did more with her. They had planned it. Also .. couldn't sing it for Barcelona Olympics, which he told her privately, cuz he would die shortly after this

[@leecarlson9713]

Just for your own pleasure, listen to these two singing “How Can I Go On?” I cry every time, because the words are so poignant. In one place, when she is singing, she reaches out and holds his hand. Madam said she did that because she could see Freddie was close to breaking up, and she held his hand to support him until he could collect himself. The words take on such strength, because they both knew he was dying, and would not be with her much longer.

[@headrushindi]

There will never be another like either of them. Freddie Mercury an artist so truly unique in every way. Multi platinum recording artists , with the most Iconic Rock-Pop band in history , and here he is holding is own brilliantly with the greatest Operatic Diva in the world. I truly believe there was nothing he was not capable of doing. To beat the band , he even wrote the song it's self.

[@JeanneCulligan]

This song was written especially for Montserrat as this was her hometown, and ended up being used for the Olympics. Thank you for the Spanish translation as you have been the only one who has mentioned this.

[@franckthibault2521]

Freddy Mercury has one most unique and amazing voice of all times!

[@hectorsmommy1717]

I love it when musical kindred spirits get together. They may be different ages, different genre's but when their hearts and voices join it is magic.

[@pamelariker5525]

Absolutely love what you said. It's so very true. Thank you.

[@julane-h2y]

I love the magic!

[@alanfoster6589]

I love this, not just because it's a great song and performance, but because if one sifts through the relevant channels on KZbin, it has introduced so many people to opera. Caballe was a doll.

[@dianesparrow1592]

Thank you, thank you!! I have waited and hoped to see a reaction to Freddie and Caballe's collaboration. I have always believed this to be sheer genius.

[@deanporter9936]

I don't listen to opera at all but I absolutely love this performance. Just incredible.

[@Desincarne]

It's a wonderful song - one of my favourites since I was a kid - but just so you're aware, this video is not a live performance. It's identical to the studio version, for a start - and you can clearly see they're not miked up and that at several points Freddie is 'singing' the multitracked backing vocals when only seconds earlier he had a lead vocal.

[@katetracton131]

I love this so much. I’ve heard it many times and it brings me to tears each time. Two divas on stage together, matched perfectly, and singing for and to each other. This was a wonderful breakdown you did for it! Thank you.

[@msteve777]

Written for 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The intent was for both of them to perform it there. Freddie told her he wouldn’t be around by then. At her request, he wrote 10 songs for the album. Two others on video … The Golden Boy and How Can I Go. Must viewing.

[@MrBielok]

All those backing vocals are done by Freddie apparently. This is the demo where Freddie even does the soprano parts kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHTQlKZrfKqdgaMsi=NUx-8MTOiOTTPd0t

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Yes, the backing vocals are actually Freddie.💕

[@patmccoy8758]

This song always gives me goosebumps!!!

[@Whippy99]

This duet makes me forget to breathe. A bit dangerous as I have severe asthma! This is the greatest collaboration of all time. Goose bumps from start to finish. 😊

[@Greenwood4727]

I like to think they are both in heaven teaching the Angels how to really sing

[@torsten.breswald]

holy moly, wasn't expecting to learn this much on this song. great job, jess

[@bjorreb7487]

I think it's the best song Freddie made and the best performance. Freddie was a fan of Caballe and Caballe was a fan of Freddie. The Queen was on tour in Spain and in a TV intervju the reporter ask what was best with Spain. Freddie answered Montserrat Caballe. He had seen her on stage many times. When she heard that she contacted him and later asked why he hadn't writtten any song about her home town and this is the result.

[@marablemorgan8292]

They were spectacular together!!!

[@danjoda755]

I totally appreciated your expert analysis od this comolex performance 😊 Your expertise is unequaled among reactors. Even your diction is so welcome and engaging, and your accents in other languages give me goosebumps. Many thanks for this master class in music appreciation. Bravo 😇🥰🤗🌹

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thanks! 😃

[@leecarlson9713]

I am a trained lyric soprano (not strong enough for opera, but good enough to sing solos in public). I was never exposed to QUEEN, but I found these two performing on KZbin, and fell in love! What magnificent voices, and how well they blend! When they went into rehearsal, Freddie told someone that he was going to have to tone down his onstage persona, because Montserrat was such a highly respected musician. He forgot she was an opera diva, and after her first grand gesture, he went back to being himself!

[@obgfoster]

I love them together and separately!

[@franciscojavierp.7162]

Both had very incredible voices, very different but amazing

[@j0hnn13K]

That walk-on.. two of the greatest of all time, they have not sang a single note yet but that already sends shivers down my spine, their presence and charisma.. of the charts. And then they sing.. and they "took your breath away".. what a powerful song by 2 giants of the music industry.

[@walterw9829]

The one at the Olymipadia Cultural is so much more dramatic and you see all the singers. Still a fabulous performance.

[@NataliaPimenova]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZrGepWQjtt4qs0

[@yogajedi3337]

What is dramatic with a playback performance ?

[@anne-marieturner6762]

The line "the moment that you walked into the room you took my breath away" still gives me shivers. Amazing xx

[@voodooacidman]

she could whisper loud enough to deafen you! what control! big love to all people :)

[@GreatestFrontman]

Yes please do check out their entire album, all beautiful songs. I do like: “Guide Me Home & How Can I Go On” a lot. So glad you reacted to these two incredible artists’ music.

[@JoannCaporaletti-l7x]

Beyond fantastic! Freddy was one of a kind original talent! His music is relevant even today! He blessed our world and left it better because he was here! RIP But I’ll bet heaven is rocking cause you’re there❤️🎶

[@KathleenOneil-wu3xk]

The song was prerecorded and the add voices were Freddy voice so it was mined because they did not have the time to participate together.

[@fl-g15ramirezscullylou87]

I'm only 19 but I'm really in love with Freddie Mercury.

[@thomaskohler0178]

Thank you for this review - it was the best and most detailed I've ever seen. I absolutely love this masterpiece. Normally, I just close my eyes and enjoy, but seeing your reaction makes it even better.

[@blairkimberlin3447]

He loved her so much but everyone said he was always nervous before her performed with her, he always feared he wasn't her equal. She always made sure to tell him she was honored to be on stage with him. Her interview after his death was heartbreaking

[@robertogallego7796]

La adoración entre ambos era mutua,la locura de la idea salió de Freddie, por supuesto,un proyecto que no apoyó ni el mundo comercial, musicalmente hablando,ni el mundo de la ópera,era una frivolidad esa mezcla de la gran soprano con Freddie, el tiempo puso las cosas en el lugar que le corresponde y, por suerte,no tardó mucho en hacerlo, por cierto,es muy importante y muy desconocida la aportación del productor y músico Mike Moran, que se involucró en este proyecto y ayudó en la composición musical de lo que sería un álbum completo, creo que fue una tercera pata fundamental para que el proyecto pudiera salir adelante,es uno de esos grandes personajes desconocidos pero fundamentales para las grandes obras

[@jacquelinecadogan204]

They best reaction video i have seen todate. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of opera singing & explaining the skills of their performance.

[@catherinedudley-fr3re]

Loved your reaction. So, I’ve seen many interviews from Freddie. I believe the background vocals are from them, Freddie is known for doing overlay of his own vocals. And I believe he and Montserrat did that for this song. Mona also said that he pushed her voice to places she didn’t know it could go. Freddie composed some gorgeous songs that they sing together. A few I would like to recommend that you watch/listen to our “how can I go on “, “the golden boy”, and “guide me home”. Also, Freddie wrote and recorded this song “exercises in free love”, in which he is mimicking her singing voice. He recorded it for her because he wanted her to sing the song. I love watching interviews about them, doting over each other, and interviews with them together. They were very good friends, and loved each other very much. She was Freddie‘s favorite opera, singer, and he pursued her to work together.

[@CindyduPlessis]

This has given me chills since I heard it on TV as a pre-teen. I didn't get much exposure to opera. The closest was Kimera with her synth pop opera medleys that would drive my brothers up the wall, as I insisted on yowling them out in the bathroom... queen of the night on repeat lol. They destroyed my tape, but I still loved opera and kept it to myself...

[@dixie3086]

You should listen to "Exercises in Free Love" by Freddie. He did it to ensure Monsty that he could do opera.

[@marablemorgan8292]

Monserrate loved Freddie... and Freddie made it his mission to collaborate with Monserrate!

[@bettybaby63]

Ha thanks for the Spanish translation as I always assumed she was mirroring Freddie. Most lyric cites do not offer a translation. Makes the song even more special. They really came to care for each other. Great break down. You smiled the whole way through.

[@karlajensen3708]

I stumbled across this rabbit hold and have to say I love your reaction. I've always love opera (though it has changed in recent years, not really in a good way). Maddame Caballe will forever be the grand dame of opera. She sung so effortlessly (watch her Tanti Affetti) and was so elegant and beautiful and her hair...iconic. Freddie is indescribably gifted even when he's so ill. Your insights were very informative as well, but your smile as you watched made this video even better.

[@JohnHazelwood58]

If you want to do "The Golden Boy", ... they'll have a gospel choir on stage! Sounds fantastic! :) Thanks for checking out Fred and Montsy < great, great artists! ♥

[@nrsvlda70]

In the other version (I believe the official video) they were singing to a track, altho in that video, you could see all of the background singers including 3 women. I’ve not seen this version before.. thank-you for showing it, and for your in depth analysis. The song, as you said was for the Olympics, but for 1992, and Freddie knew he likely wouldn’t be alive to sing it by that time, and he wasn’t. Freddie and Montsy (which is what he called her) adored one another.. and you can clearly see that in their performances. Freddie wrote this song with Mike Moran.. they wrote all of the music for an album of the two singers - you might enjoy listening to the remainder of the songs.

[@Lunabracco]

This is just amazing! ❤ Loved it first time around !

[@paulwhite3237]

Magnificent! I just love this performance.

[@imweakfordeaky]

There is no official video or live performance of it, but I would love if you would react to Freddie and Montserrat’s song “La Japonaise” from this same Barcelona album. It’s my favorite track of theirs, and I wish it had gotten much more attention.

[@mika72.-Bois]

I Really appreciate your very knowledgeable review & explanation of this performance. When I listened by myself it was like a flat painting. Your explanations gave it so much more depth, colour and dimension. Thank you.

[@StelaPop]

Incredibile!!!!!!! As good as any of Freddy's other live performances, and this duet with Mrs. Caballe is one of the most epicly emotional performances I have ever scene.

[@JosephHuntelvisnspiders]

Not a live performance :)

Two G.O.A.T...

[@johnfrancismaglinchey4192]

BARCELONA OLYMPIC OPENING,,,,,, FABULOUS ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@harpingon]

Man, how have that audience not just floated away on a river? I'm in floods again just listening to this.

[@j800r_aswell]

It's not live. It's studio audio. The male backing in the chorus is all Freddie. Listen closely, you can tell it's various dubs of the same voice.They're both more than capable and they may have performed it live but look for the studio recording. It's exactly what you're hearing here.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Girl! Freddie & "Montsy" did an entire album together.. (mostly written by Freddie... they had an incredible connection).. one of my favorites is "How can I go on"... they are both drama Queens, right?... appreciate your reaction... (p.s. there is a chorus, in fact...)

[@rog2224]

The pianist/conductor is Mike Moran, who did the orchestration for the piece (the whole Barcelona album, in fact) He'd worked with Queen on various projects, both as producer and arranger, and the Time musical with Fred. His catalogue is well worth a look.

[@rozannamendoza9348]

Thank you for this review. I loved your commentary but I loved watching YOUR reactions, as an operatic singer.

[@mommahope5844]

God was willing and they did meet again😢😢❤❤❤❤❤

[@timelesscoaching]

Thanks for translating the words she sings, I have always wondered what she was saying. If you asked a hundred people how a rock star and an opera singer would sound together most would probably laugh. Well, just watch this and you see the brilliance of both performers.

[@patriciakent6728]

Love your channel and you. Thank you so much. Thank you for the translation. I've been wishing I could hear that Lots more Freddy Mercury from you i hope❤❤❤❤ thank you Freddie Forever❤❤❤❤

[@annagraham233]

Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé brought joy and exuberance in each other.

[@ML_SE]

Great analysis. I have this record and at the time I listened to it on repeat. 🤓🇸🇪

[@jetterdgard5125]

Thanks for your always insightsfull analyses and your enthusiastic and energetic way of appresiating the music. The album they made together is beautifull and yu schould hear more off it. there are a few of the numbers that Freddy and montserrat made live and they are so good. Greetings from Denmark

[@teresabarata7119]

Thank you for this it’s beautiful 😢

[@equalityforall5620]

Very interesting comments. Great perspective. Thank you for sharing them.

[@VetsrisAuguste]

I was already weeping by time you took that first pause. Speaking of pauses, that hoodie is amazing! Where can I get one?

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I designed it and had it made by a small company for the channel 😊

[@equalityforall5620]

This is really a masterclass! Great points.

[@sonerozel312]

Freddie king of rock 🤘 please do live aid 85 queen reaction.

[@johankaewberg8162]

Freddie *loved* Montserrat. This song was pure wish fulfillment for him. Rip.

[@larrylittlefield7357]

Thoughtful and detailed breakdown, thank you

[@TheShmoo123]

Makes me cry every time WOW! just WOW 💛👍🏽🙋🏽‍♀️

[@danielarrate669]

Awesome analysis of this great performance…Just at loss for adjectives! Many thanks. Be well

[@DonnieReno]

I’ve never been a rock fan but I’m familiar with Freddy Mercury and his fabulous voice. I am familiar with Montserrat Caballe because I’m an opera fan. What an absolute masterpiece this collaboration was 💕💕

[@chergui77]

Being a devotee of Freddie Mercury since 1974 and Montserrat Caballe since 1988, I’m rather familiar with their singing genres and knew that they performed this song in public more than once. I’m amazed that you chose this particular performance to critique. There are 2 other performances that depict this song (which was chosen as the theme for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, but was not used as the theme due to Freddie’s passing in 1991). I wish you would listen to the following 2 performances and possibly do a follow-up critique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2LJmoKAeb10Y6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZrGepWQjtt4qs0

[@chiaradigiorgio1821]

I love Freddie ❤️❤️❤️ they both are magnificent ❤️❤️

[@Rosannasfriend]

I get chills from this.

[@gerrygrouwe70]

You should also check out emma kok with the andre rieu Orchestra doing voila. Emma is a 15 year old girl with a medical parraliced stomack but other reactors call her the young laura fabian becource she puts so mutch emotion in her singing

[@Lorinda212]

I love that hoodie

[@onearthonelegion]

Montserrat Caballe & Bruce Dickinson singing Bohemian Rhapsody also happened!

[@leecarlson9713]

I haven’t heard of this- I must look it up. That must be special!

[@onearthonelegion]

@@leecarlson9713 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmrcpZ6Aq9mXl7Msi=ohtB2kcUYnd7No9D

[@terryallen7356]

I loved this duet. I'd also love to see you react to Placido Domingo and Dimash singing the Peal Fisher's duet. It's so special to see young and older performers singing together.

[@merqury5]

This is the pop song of that album. Tou must hear it if nothing else for your own enjoyment. Its beautiful.

[@ikkeschopkont]

I was obsessed with freddy and queen when I was a kid. Seeing and hearing them again, teared me up. Gosh I missed this

[@natmanprime4295]

good stuff, educational!

[@GilbertHorn1]

tears and goosebumps!

[@kurtiklaas]

Great song and performance. The biggest miracle of all: They don't need any microphones ;)

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

That’s cuz it was lip synced, something Freddie didn’t normally do.🖖

[@jpw6893]

Yeah, lots think he sung these live lol. He definitely didn't, some say he was losing confidence due to his condition affecting his voice, we will never know.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

@@jpw6893 Considering he was performing with an opera singer and he might not have had the onstage energy that he once did, it’s understandable. I’m guessing it was mainly because there would only be one (or two) performances, though, and no chances to “do better next time” if something went wrong, and so there was a LOT riding on it… And since he wouldn’t be there to perform live at the Barcelona Olympics with Montsy, later, he may have had in-mind that they would be using these performance videos there, too.

[@neilburns8869]

Please note that the reason Freddie wrote this song in the first place was that he had been approached by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to come up with an anthem for the 1992 Olympic Games to be held in the city. Perhaps the saddest part of it was that Freddie Mercury wasn't going to be there come the time, having died of AIDS in November 1991. But Mercury deserves so much credit for the song and the setup of this performance.

[@HildegardSpringer]

Freddie Mercury ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CabinFever52]

I well up with all kinds of emotion whenever I hear this. You can see who is making all those high notes in the original from the year before at the Olympics, plus you have the added bonus of seeing the other Queen members. Have you ever reacted to: The Magic Flute - Queen of the Night aria (Mozart; Diana Damrau, The Royal Opera)? I couldn't find it in your list.

[@Quicksilver51]

The audio isn't live but studio dubbed over the video. As a musician you should know that!

[@pres96ton]

Listen to them sing HOW CAN I GO ON..Freddie wrote all of the songs. This one shows their voices to the MAX. she is incredible

[@filipv.5019]

Barcelona Olympics where in 1992. There is a an interview with Moserrat Caballé on KZbin where she tells that Freddy announced to her that he shall not be able to sing with her at the opening of the Olympics because he has AIDS. He passed away in 1991.

[@TheTruthstalker]

Go Girl!

[@wolke9270]

That wasn‘t live. Ms. Caballe didn‘t feel prepared, she didn‘t have the time to rehearse. She had learned from Freddie Mercury how to dub herself on recordings. Her shining soprano was so unique.

[@spirishabroad]

You should check out exercises in free love from the same record

[@WoodlandT]

La Superba is my favorite soprano of all time and of course Freddie is an icon of rock 💙

[@DavidWatkiss]

is is normal? her voice makes me cry with joy

[@iangrant3615]

This isn't a live performance :) it's a live presentation of their studio recording. The musicians and backing singers are just there to add to the feeling of occasion. There is no fully live version of this song :) You can still feel the immense talent of both performers in how they put across the performance, even though they are lip synching to their own recording.

[@Crantock-l1v]

Do you ever just enjoy or does your inquisitiveness always get you to question?

[@equalityforall5620]

I love how she calls him "Mr. Mercury."

[@MrHws5mp]

If you like that, you're going to love this: Luciano Pavarotti and the band Skunk Anansie, who's very wonderful singer Skin more than holds her own, to his obvious delight. If Skin gets your attention, then Skunk Anansie is a great rabbit hole to go down. There's a live acoustic concert on YT which is gorgeous. Video title: Luciano Pavarotti & Skunk Anansie - You'll Follow Me Down Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4KodJeEhLmYhdU

[@patricialopeznavarro4084]

Love your analisis

[@LucieOgilvie]

Let's not forget that this extraordinary project could not have been done without Mike Moran (the man at the piano {genius keyboarder} and conductor with baton) delightful, humble guy whose credentials are too numerous to list and who became one of Freddie's closest friends (birds of a feather) and loved Montserrat. A few (very few) of Mike's credentials: he has over 90 major network scoring credits including Jilly Cooper’s Octavia (Touchpaper); New Tricks (Wall To Wall/BBC); Sherlock:A Case of Evil (Box TV); Scarlet Pimpernel (BBC), starring Richard E. Grant; The Bombmaker (Sky Films); Sharman(World) starring Clive Owen; The Grimleys (ITV); Sex, Chips & Rock ‘n Roll (Wall To Wall/BBC); El CID (ITV); Harry’s Game(ITV); The Man (BBC) starring Lenny Henry in a straight acting role and The Turnaround (Wall To Wall/BBC).