Reaction to "Barcelona" by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé

[@brittahlander1043]

They made a whole album together. Freddie thought she had the best voice in the world. He adored her. They became close friends

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

Freddie knew that she had the best voice in the world.

[@peterratter6603]

I love this song/performance as a whole, but two personal favourite moments: the shout-out (Caballe! Freddy!), and that little flourish and flick as she carries the note to him for the final chorus. I recently saw another reaction vid describe them as "Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother rocking out", and I think that's a wonderful summation.

[@joan783]

this became the theme song for the 1992 Olympics, held in Barcelona.

[@barbwolpert1856]

This was actually the song written to announce the Olympics being held in Barcelona.

[@celsonicoliniTV]

Freddie Mercury went to see a performance by Luciano Pavarotti and ended up falling in love with the voice of Montserrat Caballé, a Catalan soprano. Later, when Freddie was participating in a program in Spain and was asked what he knew about the country, Mercury mentioned Caballé's name. The soprano's representatives took notice and soon arranged a meeting between the two. Mercury and Caballé spent a night talking about music and exchanging ideas until Freddie suggested they record a song together. Caballé then said: Just one song? How many songs are on a rock album? Mercury replied: Ten. Then Caballé suggested: Then let's record ten! The soprano's only requirement was that one of the songs had to be dedicated to her hometown. So Mercury and the English musician and composer Mike Moran had to compose the songs that would be part of the album Barcelona in record time.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's fantastic!

[@johnsmith-es7zk]

You missed out mentioning the tape that Freddie sent her "Exercises in free love" where he imitated her voice.

[@celsonicoliniTV]

@@johnsmith-es7zk I tried to reduce it as much as possible and a lot of information was already being given in the comments. But any detail is important. Thank you.

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

Wonderful comment. Love form Paris, France

[@glyjack]

And it's a good album.

[@tracyperez2341]

'What did we just watch?' You've just watched perfection.

[@Suprahampton]

"What did we just watch".....Greatness, you just watched greatness!

[@vinniedixon1140]

This is why Freddie is the GOAT. No ifs or buts about it. He was on a level many can only dream about.

[@LeeBoardman-ij3in]

They both respected each other massively and in fact the song was written by Freddie. They did a album together. RIP to both of them Xx❤️

[@reggiestan]

Co-written by Fred and Mike Moran who played the conductor in this video. The whole album Barcelona was co-written by the two of them (apart from Ensueno where Montsy also co-wrote), with Tim Rice writing the lyrics for The Golden Boy and The Fallen Priest.

[@marchellabrahams]

Freddie was Queen; Montserrat Caballé was a queen. Unmatchable.

[@carlosaaramos]

"how can I go on?" It's such a beautiful song with Monserrat and Freddie

[@johnsmith-es7zk]

Absolutely. Montsy's reaction to Freddie's passion at the start is amazing

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Carlos! This is my favorite!

[@leecarlson9713]

Be prepared to be emotionally touched by this song. Freddie knew he was dying when they performed this piece, and he had told Montsy (his nickname for her). Whenever I hear this song, I wonder if they were wondering the same this? For Freddie, it might have been, how am I going to go on, know my great friendship with her will soon end, and I am going to have to say goodbye? For Montserrat, I imagine she was wondering how she would be able to continue with her daily life, after he was gone? Such a sad song, and so beautiful.

[@meelismetslang5767]

It's breathtaking

[@susanhinshelwood812]

Freddie truly was unique, he can sing anything and make it a masterpiece.

[@andreakormosnekacso4804]

This was the first crossover between a rock singer and an opera diva in the history. Montserrat mentioned, that it was a great service towards people who never listend to opera before, because their collaboration definitely increased the popularity of this genre. Montserrat (your pronunciation was perfect) was one of the greatest sopranos of the last century. Before Freddie fell in love with her voice, he mainly listened to male opera singers, Luciano Pavarotti was his favourite. This collaboration with Montserrat meant him everything, his dream came true.

[@CoachCastTV]

Cannot believe I got that correct. You just made my day!

[@chriscaminarides623]

@@CoachCastTV During an interview, Freddie kept referring to her as Montserrat, and she turned to him and said, my dearest friends call me Montsy and that was it friends for life... God bless them both RIP together always...xxx

[@grandnagus5851]

Calling Freddie a Rock singer, in this context at least, is only partly correct, it's the coming together of a Rock diva and a Opera diva. Both the last of their respective kind. In Freddie's case, maybe the only one of his kind.

[@humphr1d]

No, Freddie did not study opera. He was a huge fan of opera and would go to the opera periodically. When he first heard Montserrat he was mesmerized. Aside from a few years of piano for Brian and Freddie, none of the band had formal music training.

[@ottocarson]

Monserrat Caballé is in my opinion the best opera singer of all times. She was the idol of Freddie Mercury before he started his career. Singing with her was for him like a miracle, a dream came true (in his own words)

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

I agree 100%. Love from Paris, France

[@guidoheuts]

Best female opera singer of all times was, is and forever will be Maria Callas. But as you rightfully say, Monserat Caballe comes very close. It's all about personal opinion.

[@ottocarson]

​@@guidoheuts Callas was very good, but Montserrat Caballé was in many aspects much better by far. Maria Callas was already a legend when Caballé started her career, and just saying her name, Callas was ten steps above.

[@bibkapriel9366]

​@@guidoheutsCaballe is far better then Callas I can't listen Callas annoying voice

[@janetd8198]

Freddie was a huge opera fan and Montsy was one of his favs. She heard about it and asked to meet him. They spent an entire evening in a hotel lobby playing and singing music together. They decided to make a song for the Barcelona olympics to be held in 1992. But then Montsy said "Let's do an album".

[@margaridacosta270]

The passion she shows, just amazing. R. I. P to both.

[@majorlybad]

On the demo version, Freddie sang all her parts in falsetto. Incredible to hear.

[@Melissa02891]

No one is ever prepared for this song the first time they hear it, 2 completely different genres that don't sound like what most people would consider their type of music and then the music starts and it hits you. 2 musical anomalies creating what had never been done before, so brilliantly. There's a lovely little documentary about how this collaboration happened, and how they became great friends. May they both rest in sweet peace 🌹

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

Freddie didn't study Opera (only 3 grammar school years of piano). But he was always a fan of opera & ballet. He went to see a performance in London of a famous opera tenor, and there caught sight of Montserrat Caballe. Was enraptured with her voice. Years later, while Queen was in Spain (her country), he was interviewed and stated to them she was his favorite singer. The best! Well, Montserrat's brother saw the interview, told his sis "Montsy" (who did NOT know Freddie). Somehow a meeting was arranged. She was nervous. He was nervous. And there was immediate musical and friendship kinship! They liked each other. She asked him to write a song for her to be put forward for selection for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. This was the result! Sadly, it could not be performed in 1992 live as Freddie had already passed away. But, her music played during his funeral. And she was present with his parents when the memorial statue overlooking Lake Geneva was unveiled in Montreaux. They had become dear friends. Ps - I love this song and when they sing that little bit together in Spanish, it's wonderful. There is a whole album btw. My favorite of Freddie's "solo' projects.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Thank you for explaining all that! Just an FYI… Montsy said in the videotaped interview which she/Freddie did together, that she WAS familiar with his music before they met because her kids were fans of Queen/Freddie and they played that music at home.🖖

[@irenedownie6559]

I’ve heard this countless times and I still get goosebumps at this beautiful song.

[@susanp.7954]

This performance brings tears to my eyes everytime... they are now singing together in heaven and creating magic.... Thanks for your great reaction❤

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for spending time with us!

[@antifax8434]

We all know Freddie very well and we know that he was a Genius but Montserrat is an Angel. Oh my God... what a prodigious voice.

[@dropzone9639]

They shook the foundations from the sky❤❤❤❤

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Freddie was actually sick at-this-time: He’d been officially diagnosed with AIDS this same year (1987). He was keeping it a secret, tho… He didn’t even tell his band mates until 1989. Montsy was one of a very few that he shared his secret, because she was super excited for the two of them to perform “Barcelona” together at the opening of the upcoming Barcelona Olympics in 1992… Freddie told her that he wouldn’t be able to perform it with her, because he would be gone by then. …When the Olympics finally arrived, Montsy performed the song “with Freddie” whose image was singing on a giant video screen.🥺

[@CoachCastTV]

Such a huge loss for the world in many ways.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

@@CoachCastTV Especially in new music, because he was such a creative, prolific songwriter.🥺

[@chicochi3]

He didn't tell his bandmates, but as Brian May said, they weren't blind and they weren't stupid. They knew.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

@@chicochi3 🙏They were so respectful and supportive of his privacy, truly the best of friends.

[@iris67si]

Montserrat didn't perform Barcelona at the Olympics. She refused to sing it without Freddie. The song was played over a travelogue of the city at the start of the international broadcast of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. She performed it live with Freddie on the big screen at the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final in Barcelona.

[@joanneperlmutter2038]

Congrats! You pronounced her name correctly! The lyrics also relate to their relationship: "The moment you stepped into the room you took my breath away." Freddie adored "Montsy" and let her know.

[@rkw2917]

Montserrat was criticized in operatic circles for doing this But she loved Freddie and never regretted a day in her life

[@jona.874]

Freddie wasn't a "Rock & Roll singer" - he was a singer, period.

[@debramoore7513]

Montserrat was asked if she’d heard of Freddie before they worked together, or if she liked his music. She replied, “I knew his music from a long time ago. My children are truly fans of him and his music. At home his music and voice have always been heard, so his style and his vital melody were quite familiar to me”. 😊

[@iris67si]

"The difference between Freddie and almost all the other rock stars was that he was selling his voice instead of his image. His technique was astonishing. His phrasing was subtle, delicate and sweet or energetic and slamming. He was able to find the right colouring or expressive nuance to each word. When he sat down at the piano to improvise, I realised that a true musician was before me. He discovered a new way to bring different music styles together. He is the first person to have done this ." ❤❤ Montserrat Caballe

[@CoachCastTV]

That's a fantastic quote.

[@lyna4873]

Freddie's fantastic vocals on this album are a given--but people forget what a wonderful and talented composer and song writer he was--this album was his unique creation.

[@braxious]

Fun Fact time = this song was used for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics - you need to listen to the whole album and in solo Exercises in Free Love (its Freddie at his most awesomeness)

[@bobblebardsley]

One of my favourite songs. It's just glorious, and the parts where they each sing in the other's language are so good, nothing sounds awkward at all. Freddie just belting out the word "Barcelona!" is completely etched on my brain. There's an extended version that I really love too but any which way, this song is an absolute triumph and a true masterpiece.

[@Sassypaws4927]

Montserrat Caballé was a well-known and successful Spanish opera singer who Freddie felt had the best voice in the world. The Spanish opera giant Montserrat was the only singer Freddie Mercury was in awe of (she was the only person ever to make Queen‘s legendary showman cry). The story behind Barcelona adds another layer of significance to the song. Freddie’s long-standing admiration for Montserrat Caballé (whom Freddie called Montsy) led to their eventual meeting in the city of Barcelona. The partnership between the two was born out of a mutual love for music and a desire to create something extraordinary. Originally intended as a single, their collaboration evolved into a full album project. Freddie was first introduced to Montserrat’s voice in 1981. He had gone to the Royal Opera House to hear Luciano Pavarotti singing. But as soon as Montserrat started singing, Freddie ignored Pavarotti. Freddie went to a couple more of Montserrat’s concerts in New York, but he never wanted to meet her. because he didn't want his image of this amazing diva destroyed. He imagined Montserrat would be a grand opera character, the same way everyone imagined Freddie was a rock & roll animal. Montserrat’s brother was in charge of the entertainment for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. When they became the host city in 1986, she said, ‘Who better to do a theme song with than Freddie Mercury?’ That was at Christmas, and in February Freddie and Montserrat met at the former Ritz Hotel in Barcelona. According to the story, Freddie was so nervous in his room that morning that he was hopping from one foot to the other with nerves before meeting Montserrat. His PA (personal aid), Peter Freestone had never seen him like that in 20 years of working with Freddie. They’d arranged to have lunch at 1pm. In his suite, Freddie was chain-smoking and pacing. For the first time ever, he actually turned up for an appointment five minutes early - Freddie always made an appearance 15 minutes late. In the lobby, four minutes past, Freddie said, ‘She’s not going to come, she’s not interested’, because she was all of four minutes late. Then this crowded lobby parted like the Red Sea and Montserrat walked through. She said later she was so happy because, when she took Fred’s hand, it was colder than hers, which meant he was even more nervous than she was. She’d been shaking at the thought of meeting this amazing rock star. Without any prior warning, Freddie sat down at the piano and began to improvise a piece titled “Exercises in Free Love,” singing in falsetto what would be Montserrat’s part if she accepted. Freddie assumed they’d only make one song together but hen Montserrat said: ‘How many songs do you put on a rock album?’ When Freddie told her eight or 10, she said: ‘Fine - we will do an album.' The next day, Freddie went to his friend the video director, David Mallet who was also there, and said, ‘Darling, I’ve woken up and I’m doing a fucking album!' The tight schedule of Caballé necessitated Mercury’s recording of the song, even singing her part in falsetto, to ensure the album’s completion. Montserrat had three days in September, four in January, and two or three in April to come over and record her vocals. The tracks would be basically completed, just needing her vocal. Despite the logistical challenges, their determination and shared vision prevailed, resulting in an unforgettable masterpiece. Montserrat and Freddie became close friends and were reported to be wild about each other. When Montserrat stayed at Freddie’s home, Garden Lodge, to try ideas for the album, the two of them and Mike Moran the producer were up at 4am. Montserrat picked up Freddie’s cigarette packet, took one out, and started smoking. Freddie’s face was aghast! He was agonizing at her: ‘How can you do this? You’ll destroy your voice! What are you doing?’ Of course, she’d already drunk two bottles of champagne. She was as big a maniac as Freddie. One doesn’t think that of opera singers and Fred didn’t think that, but Montserrat was an original rock’n’roll maniac. Every single time Freddie met Montserrat, he was nervous. It was almost like he had amnesia since their last time together. Every meeting was like a first meeting. He would have to adjust his clothes, check his hair, and check his mustache looked fine before he met her. When they filmed ‘Barcelona’, he was actually nervous before going on the stage. He was nervous between each take - they did about 10 in all. When Montserrat sang ‘Barcelona’ after her first take was the nearest his PA ever saw Freddie to tears. Freddie was emotional, but he was always in control of his emotions because he could let them out in performing or writing songs. He grabbed Peter's hand and said: ‘I have the greatest voice in the world, singing my music!’ He was so elated. Freddie received his diagnosis just before recording started. Nobody knew how much time he had. At the very beginning, the idea was to perform ‘Barcelona’ together at the Olympics. Freddie told Montserrat of his diagnosis, to let her know that he didn’t think he’d be there to perform it with her. Freddie could write a tune in 10 minutes, then spend a month agonizing over the lyrics. Freddie knew he couldn’t afford to spend time agonizing over the lyrics after he had his diagnosis. Also, they had to get the recordings done, with sheet music, to send to Montserrat so she knew what she’d be recording when she came for her vocal takes. Freddie worked best when there was a time limit. If there was unlimited time, he’d dither and change things, sometimes too much. He’d change something 10 times, only to go back to the original. At the beginning of filming, Freddie was stiff. He didn’t move much, as he didn’t want to do his grand rock & roll moves with an opera singer next to him. But then he realized Montserrat was doing much more than he was. Montserrat’s arms were flying everywhere. It took Freddie two or three takes to cotton on to that. David Mallet, the director debated telling him but decided to let him find out for himself. He could see in Fresdie's eyes when it registered that he wasn’t doing it right at all next to Montserrat. Then it became a competition. It was ‘Anything you can do, I can do better…' Barcelona’ was not two averagely successful rock singers coming together. Freddie was the best ever in rock & roll, and Montserrat was the best in opera. Call it Clash Of The Titans

[@CoachCastTV]

This was a very entertaining comment to read with lots of story lore behind the scenes. Thank you so much! You never let us down!

[@bluebell3720]

Excersise of free love was B side to his cover of great pretender before they met He thought it would be a good ice braker He agreed to meet her but it wasn't his intention to work with her at that time he had already started his second solo album

[@Sassypaws4927]

@@bluebell3720 Montserrat was so impressed with "Exercises in Free Love" that she asked if she could perform it at her concert scheduled for next Saturday at Covent Garden in London. Of course, Freddie said yes. Montserrat then added lyrics to the melody of "Exercises in Free Love' and renamed it "Ensueno" which she and Freddie sang as a duet on the album "Barcelona".

[@bluebell3720]

@@Sassypaws4927 Mike Moran has discussed all this in interviews They hadn't met to work together No mention of the olymics He was doing his second solo with mike who went with him to meet her Mike explained it was used as an ice braker but was nervous and blurted out we have something for you she thought it was a gift and got mike to write out the music... The night of covent garden 3 wks later she was at his all night he agreed to do a single He was working on his solo but did di Barcalona... When her brother heard the recording he put it forward for the olymics He ended up putting his album to one side and doing an album with her But working with her or a single for the olympics weren't considerations when they met he was just meeting her

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

I'm a huge Freddie fan, but Montserrat was the world number 1 and Freddie was extremely impressed by Montserrat, La Superba. He convinced her to sing with him, not her to sing with her. They became best friends.

[@stevepreston-be3fi]

At 8'40" you asked 'What did we just watch?' You watched perfection and art. I'm glad you had that reaction.

[@rosy4370]

'Exercises in Free Love' to hear Freddie sing Mostserrat Caballe's part on another duet they did. . It is beautiful.

[@nanner3200]

I read the comments and most is accurate so I just want to add a bit. When it was discussed about using/writing this song for the Olympics Freddie confided in Montsy that he wasn't sure he'd be around for it. The Olympic committee decided to go with another song as the opening but Montsy insisted this was also included. She went on stage alone with Freddie's voice as a backing track. They became very very close friends and truly loved each other for the remainder of Freddie's years.

[@stevehennessy2931]

They truly loved each other. She was one of the greatest operatic sopranos of all time. Freddie was in awe of her. Listen to The Golden Boy and How do I go on. All from the same album he wrote for them.

[@reggiestan]

Co-wrote with Mike Moran.

[@theresarandall7448]

Golden Boy and How Can I Go On are excellent songs.

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

I agree.

[@Bls0456]

Montserrat said before she died that her year working with Freddie was the happiest of her life.

[@suepoole8323]

Stunning, and the love and joy they had for each other was palpable

[@deborahdennehy9937]

I have to say that Montserrat Caballé was considered to be one of the best sopranos of the 20th century. When she was in her 20's she was absolutely beautiful with such an incredible voice. Ofcourse we all know Freddie is a genious but not knowing her certainly amazed everyone with her voice. She died in 2018, aged 85, born 1933.

[@CoachCastTV]

She was absolutely fantastic in this one.

[@keithgiblin2636]

The two greatest voices of a generation now sing with the Heavenly hosts. So glad that you discovered them!

[@Alcagaur1]

"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognises genius." Arthur Conan Doyle Here, genius was drawn to genius.

[@russwells1825]

Props to Mr. and Mrs. Coach, going out of their comfort zone. Freddie wrote this for the '92 Olympics and Ms. Caballe, as Barcelona is her hometown. Okay, it's time to get back to rock and roll. Breakthru, Hitman, I want it All. Boomer Sooner.

[@markhinton1641]

Wrong. It wasnt written for any olympics,. The song was released in 1987 years before the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, it was used in the closing ceremony of the 1988 Olympics to introduce Barcelona as being the next location for the 1992 Olympics.

[@Living_compassion_peace]

Montserrat Caballé was THE opera singer in the past. Freddie adores her voice.

[@ederss7]

After this one you need to react to How can I go on, their best duet. Jaw dropping performance by both of them.

[@gamortie]

It was very much a mutual admiration society - they both highly appreciated the talent each brought to the table, and were fans of each other’s work

[@ATGLIMALAMA]

Now you NEED to run to "The Golden Boy"

[@marisavl1]

One of the best Sopranos in the world , called La Caballé or “ Superba”, with her first fan , Freddie . The best friends until dead of Freddie, she is one of two people who stayed with Freddie to the end. The song for Olympic Games of Barcelona 92 . Freddie died one year before, but the sing was use in the Open Ceremony like compliment to Freddie.

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

I agree.

[@tikt99]

I cannot still believe, people hadnt listen Barcelona yet..no matter who loves opera or not, this is a masterpiece of two heavenly voices and the melody is stunning

[@marlainalindsey3279]

These 2 are magical ❤❤❤❤

[@chicochi3]

I don't care for opera, but I am totally amazed at what opera singers can do. IMO she is one of the best.

[@worldtraveler3773]

Check out Freddie's solo "Exercises in free love " his voice will blow your mind, it was his impersonation of Montserrat"s vocal style .

[@timroach6515]

Freddie is a generational talent. We may never anyone like him again!

[@debortahwelch9298]

They were very close. She went to give Freddie a kiss and he told her, he could not. He told her, he had AIDS and wanted to protect her. She was one of the only ones outside of the members of Queen and those very close to him that knew how sick he was.

[@karenj3611]

Freddie was a lover of the arts, opera , ballet, fine art. He only wanted the best. And when he heard Montsy sing for the first time, he knew she was the best. Long story short, arrangements were made for them to meet and they were immediately connected. They were close till the end. In an interview with Montsy she stated “ he loved me very much, and I loved him too” RIP to these two beautiful souls

[@basstian]

The story is that, while visiting Barcelona during Queen's last tour, he got asked about who his favourite singer was and he mentioned her, stressing he wasn't just saying it to pander to the audience. Her management heard that and they got in touch. He'd coincidentally had a solo record that featured him singing falsetto, and he told her something like 'this is me pretending to be you', which she misunderstood as him having written it *for* her, so she had it transcribed into music notation and premiered it at the Covent Garden in London with him in the audience. That evening, they went to his house and started going through some ideas, he told her maybe they could do a song together and she did him one better and asked him for a full-length album. He was so excited to finally have *her* voice on *his* music. By then, he was already quite ill and genuinely thought it was gonna be his last work. Fortunately, he lasted a few more years (not enough, though!) and managed to record two more albums with Queen, plus four more songs that got posthumously released years after his death. By the way, Roger's reportedly singing uncredited backing vocals there.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Coach says “If Freddie were going to do more opera, I might actually watch it.” Well Coach, it’s your LUCKY day!😄 There are TWO other songs with live videos that Freddie & Montsy performed at La Nit: “HOW CAN I GO ON” and “THE GOLDEN BOY” (One of my FAVS: The Golden Boy is part Opera, part GOSPEL!)

[@CoachCastTV]

Be careful what you wish for, right? LOL

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

I agree

[@marvalstith2749]

Thanks for your attention to this. It was one of Freddie's most desired and personally appreciated accomplishments, his collaboration with this opera diva, Montserrat Caballe'. This was the beginning of a 'mutual admiration relationship' between the two, Montserrat for his musicianship; Freddie in awe of her magnificence and genuine appreciation of him. She praised him excitedly - he composed for Me, she said. She was the one who said let's do an album. It's a wonderful album, "Barcelona".

[@lesaahrenstein6360]

This is a link to Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe. She is a well-known Italian opera singer. Freddie was a long time fan of Opera. In particular he felt Montserrat had the best singing voice of any opera star. She was from Barcelona. The song had to be completed by 1988 to be considered for the opening ceremonies of the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. Freddie told her 2 two years prior to his death that he would not be there to sing it with her because he had AIDS. From what I have pieced together she was the first person that he told even though his bandmates were seeing symptoms in him. The gentleman conducting the orchestra is Mike Moran, who co-wrote the song with Freddie, and not Brian May ( you my be reacting to a different performance of Barcelona) have a different clip than the one most people react to. Not that that matters they're both awesome in and of themselves. But in the other one the conductor does look like Brian May because of the hairstyle and it's at night). So it could be the same gentleman conducting the orchestra but during the day you can tell it's not Brian May.. People get confused because they have similar hair styles. After Freddie had passed other singers contacted her to see if they would collaborate with her. She said that that was something special between her and Freddie and she was not ever going to repeat it . There are several videos on KZbin of interviews with her talking about Freddie and their collaboration. There's also a video of how they originally hooked up I just don't remember the name of it. The song is actually about him meeting her for the first time. This is the link to Barcelona kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2LJmoKAeb10Y6c This is the link to their performance of Golden Boy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYHMq6yGad1mZqs This is the link to their performance of how can I go on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaSxoJhujJedisU

[@bigmallly7863]

Barcelona was created for the 1992 Olympic Games in the Spanish city, but recorded five years earlier and released on October 26, 1987

[@CoachCastTV]

Very interesting!

[@ruddyrutherford]

@@CoachCastTV The sad thing is that Freddie died before the Olympics so never got to hear the song he wrote and performed get played om the opening night.

[@CoachCastTV]

@@ruddyrutherford Yeah, that's too bad. He was taken far too early.

[@pattigracey-te6se]

Coach, you pronounced her name perfectly the first time. Congratulations!!

[@CoachCastTV]

I'm in total shock.

[@georgiacoombes699]

Freddie could sing any genre! Beautiful collaboration by 2 power house singers, thank you for this reaction! Love from Oz! ❤

[@stripes497]

This particular song was used in The Opening Ceremony for. The 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain. AWESOME AND AMAZING!!!!! NEVER EVER get tired of listening to it.

[@femcaeleka8144]

Freddie could do anything

[@RiverSong5683]

Freddie was a huge opera and ballet fan, that’s something he enjoyed …he didn’t watch TV or movies, was never interested, he even did a bit of ballet at one point. He saw Montserrat and immediately adored her vouce, said she had the best voice in the world during an interview, she heard about it, called him to collaborate. Her kids were fans if him, so that so was she. She wanted him to write a whole album for their collaboration, and he did. There are two more songs on KZbin, The Golden Boy and How Can I Go On. This was towards the end of his life. The album Barcelona is extraordinary..

[@GinMae]

thanks, Coachies... I know this is not really your "thing" - but it is beautiful.... they had such mutual love and respect - did a whole album together.. one of my favorites by those two is "How Can I go on" -- appreciate your listen!

[@yolandadelrio900]

Monserrat Caballé was a Spanish soprano.One of the most famous and better opera's singers for years in the world.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

The joy is incredible when musical kindred spirits meet. They may be totally different in every way but when their hearts and voices join it is magic.

[@graemekelly]

This song is actually about they’re first meeting together in Barcelona. He used to go to the opera and seen her one night and fell head over heels in love with her voice and stage presence. At that meeting Fredie asked her if she would sing a song with him. She said only if wrote it. And this master piece was born and recorded for all

[@mariagomez3297]

beautiful song awesome singers

[@The1queencollector]

This Album is a sheer masterpiece, Freddie dropped a covers album to do this, hence why "The Great Pretender" was made to go on that album.

[@PhilippeSantucci-h9k]

hello hello to you 2 always pleasure to see you comment on queen's videos it always warms the heart from you and your kindness! I won't hide from you that I'm particularly following your elections in your country which are tormenting us here in Europe! It's good to have fun here and to see really nice and cool people like you in this rough world! To get back to Queen, I hope you haven't forgotten me for the passage in the video that I recommended to you Queen - Sheer Heart Attack (Through The Years)

[@CoachCastTV]

Good to see you. The elections concern us as well. We appreciate your kindness!

[@grahamtravers4522]

Congratulations on the sound quality of this. The clarity of Caballe's voice is better than any other version I have seen. Thank you.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks! Good to know!

[@GrammyGray638]

Freddie was in awe of Monserrat Caballe, and his lifelong dream was to sing with her.

[@krystiankedziora8349]

Great surprise, isn’t it? If you want more, try „How can I go on?”

[@bibkapriel9366]

🎉She was worldwide diva i would say even better then Callas

[@FlashGormless]

The Album Barcelona is iconic, Monsterrat wanted a song about her home town which she loved so much and for the olympics, She and Freddie became close friends, sadly Freddie died before the opening ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics.

[@StevenKingsbury-j4c]

You'll be truly flabbergasted and speechless when listening to Freddie's voice in the song 'Exercises in free love '

[@otisroseboro5613]

R.I.P To Both Singer's, Still Miss You Both,A Great Duet

[@lindaadams4831]

At the time Montserrat was no.1 in her field.....amazing ....

[@driftersky]

The Great Caballé! She was Freddie's favorite opera singer, she was amazing, such a beautiful voice! This song was for Olympic Game in Barcelona at that time, really exciting back then!

[@scousemouse9715]

The masculine leading the feminine in harmony. Beautiful. Blessings from Darlington England.

[@thomasjoyce7870]

You got her name right. When Barcelona was awarded the Summer Olympics back in the day, Montserrat, a native of that city, was asked to do a performance in honor of the event. She asked Freddy to collaborate, and you are watching the result.

[@thomasjoyce7870]

I should add that Freddy had had an interest in opera for years and years and was a fanboy of Señora Caballé.

[@ginafragata2947]

She's was the best soprano ever and they were goood frendes ❤

[@leecarlson9713]

It is said, that as they went into rehearsals for this video, Freddie said that he would have to tone down his stage performance, because she was a real opera lady. Then the singing started, and Montserrat began gesturing in her opera style, and Freddie figured that if she could do it, so could he! I just subscribed, based on your reaction to this video. Thank you for sharing this wonderful duet.

[@CoachCastTV]

We appreciate you. Welcome aboard.

[@emiliopinar5845]

❤the BEST.

[@hanneswerth4569]

perfect magical talented singers great orchestra

[@linabmoniz]

This song was written by Freddy to be the anthem for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. It was recorded well in advance. Fortunately, because Freddy died in November 1991, 9 months before.

[@iris67si]

Freddie... ❤

[@petervogel2841]

Freddy wrote this song for the olympic games in 1992 in barcelona.this video is made in summer 1991,Freddy was very sick at this time.he die and can not singing this song for the opening games in summer 1992.greetings from germany..love your reaction about this song

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you so much.

[@trego5509]

I think it was made a little earlier than 1991, he was very thin, and had a hard time walking by then. Just sharing✌

[@Hexcaliblur83]

I always get emotional watching this.. I have watched several documentaries about Freddie and Montserrat and their relationship.. These are two masters of their craft, complimenting each other and allowing each other to shine in perfect harmony ❤ "The Golden Boy" and "How can I go on?" are must listens ❤❤

[@TheDivayenta]

This was written for the Barcelona Olympics which Freddy didn’t live to see. Montserrat- the greatest soprano of the 20th century, was his good buddy. She was from Barcelona. ❤

[@joaofreitas9651]

Montserrat Caballé Eterna !!!!!! Brazil !

[@ginafragata2947]

Yes best soprano of all times and she was a human Ben soooou beurifuul ❤

[@radasvidea5909]

they both absolutely admired themselves and one day they met and granted us this unique collab, can really see on them they enjoyed it a lot

[@AnnieC-uq1tq]

To set the record straight, I'm a huge die-hard Freddie fan, but Montserrat was world number 1 and Freddie was extremely impressed by Montserrat, La Superba. He must have convinced her to sing with him, not the other way around. They became best friends.

[@bluebell3720]

They met each other but it wasn't for the intent to work with each other at that time Freddie had started his second solo album After covent Garden he agreed to doing a single but not right away because he was doing his album They then agreed to an album again at her request he then sided his solo album He hadn't approached her and asked her to work with him They were just meeting Its a bit disrespectful to say she was world class singer why would she be the one asking well she did! They both loved music and had a passion for it Obviously not in a technical sense but she said he taught her how to sing in a different way and really enjoy the music

[@chrish7975]

It was written as the theme song for the Barcelona Olympics.

[@defycgn]

Montserat Caballier was such an icon. And she was a funny and entertaining person as well. Died to early..

[@oliverterry5941]

what a duet it was

[@glyjack]

Freddie studied fine art, singing wise - he was self taught.

[@Canucklehead557]

Good to see you! Been a little while. Thanks for posting.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@teszik]

I'm also not a big fan of opera ( they are always mad or dying) ..... untill Freddie en Montsy . Especially the songs "How can I go on" ( so emotional) and "The Golden Boy" ( he looks so happy there) Thanks for doing this one!

[@soyunblanco]

Your faces were a poem😊☺️ Vuestras caras eran un poema😊☺️

[@paulmcinerney5995]

Montserrat Caballe was one of the great soprano opera singers of all time