A heartbreaking comment which Caballe made, when Mercury asked her to fulfil his fanhood's dream of singing in duet with 'the most beautiful voice in the world', was:' But I am old, I am big.' Mercury's response was magnificent. 'Music knows no age'. They set each other free.

This is a beautiful story of friendship, respect, creativity and the most finest and astonished music !!! Freddie and Montsy dared to go beyond the boundaries and achieve an incredible music and an incredible historical milestone in music 🎼 🎵 🎶. It was also the time when Freddie knew about his illness ... and he told Monserrat about it. Monserrat said, later in an interview: "While he was singing I noticed that his eyes were shiny with tears. I give him my hand. He clasped it and kissed it. It was clear he was suddenly aware of his own fate. They were tears of farewell. It was his goodbye , at least to the stage ". Montserrat Caballé

She does her thing and Freddie dances around her light, it’s a little bit magic seeing two powerful singers meet like that!

She said that after she did this she noticed more young people coming to her performances. She said, "They wanted to come see the woman who screamed with Freddie." When doing this performance Freddie was planning on toning down his dramatic theatrical moves until Mike Moran (co-writer of this song) reminded him that she was an opera diva and that he might need to up his game in that department.

I don't care what the singer looks like as long as it sounds good.

Freddie said that Montserrat was the greatest singer on Earth. She was told and asked him to do some music with her, and obviously it worked out well.

Caballe is the goddess of pianissimo...ugh... and her control...jesus..it's legendary.. and of course Freddie..a legend in his own right

There are many tapes on youtube now of Freddie's guide vocals for this album. He wrote these songs for HER. He loved her so much. So, when he'd send her the songs, he'd use his falsetto as a guide vocal for Monsteratt.

I showed this to my girlfriend one time and her reply was (crying) thank you for showing me this!

Valerie, I read that when they recorded this song Freddy was totally amazed when Monserrat could modular her voice with such control whereas he had to physically move away from the microphone to get the same effect. I thought that was a cool insight into how much control she had, as Freddy was certainly an incredible talent.

I saw a documentary about Queen years ago. Brian May said that when Monserrat first sang with Freddie she absolutely fell in love with him and refused to leave for a concert she was performing in.

Lets not forget Freddie wrote this song for her to sing with him. There is a whole album that they did together. Mike Moran and Freddie wrote it together. Think about it not only could he hold his own with Montserrat he wrote this beautiful music. It is hard to fathom the amount of talent that man had. Thank you for watching and reacting such a beautiful song.

4:42 RIP headphone users

Montserrat and Freddy Mercury I just love them. They are so beautiful . There voices together lift the spirit..fun, exciting ..the entire performance is never old. Sheer Joy!

Wonderful review, thank you. This is my favorite time of Freddie Mercury's career; his collaboration with "Montsi", as she was called by all her friends. So sad to hear that today's opera world is more focused on looks as opposed to singing and performing well. Montserrat said (in an interview about her year performing with Freddie) that she once asked him (paraphrased), 'Why me, Freddie? I am old. I am big...' to which Freddie replied, 'Music has no age'. They truly had a deep love for one another. She also mentioned that her collaboration with him brought more young people to explore the world of opera, saying in her beautiful accent, 'because all the young people want to find out who this lady is who screams with Freddie'. She had a sense of humor as wonderful as her voice :)

This has been one of my favorite songs for over 30 years. The blending of their two voices and styles is phenomenal.

The last interview Montserrat Caballe gave in 2017 i think. they of course talked about her friendship with Freddie. She looked right at the camera and said "I miss you Freddie, I'll see you soon, i love you" She didn't live past the year.

This duet is the best.

I have loved Barcelona for a very long time. Not the city the album conceived by Freddie Mercury with Monsey as she was known to him. The fact that a singing coached loved it too makes me happy. I had a friend who was dying of cancer. I gave her a ride in my car and played the Barcelona CD for her. Her reactions were so happy that I felt I'd given her a gift from Freddie and Monsey. Bevann truly loved the music and wanted to hear it again.

Thank you, I love the Barcelona album so much. So underestimated! All Freddie fans should check it out. The songs he composed for that album were amazing and he sang so beautifully as usual.

Freddie thought he might have to modulate his performance when he went on stage with Montserrat. It didn't take long for him to realize the truth of it.

Freddie one of the greatest showmen of all time

The album Barcelona is incredible. True Freddie through & through. Spanish, English & Japanese!

I can not listen to this song without a box of kleenex within reach. Thanks for the reaction.

Her voice and her breath control were outstanding. One of my favorite sopranos ❤️❤️❤️

Definitely one of my favourite Freddie mercury songs 100%

I love their performance of How Can I Go On from 1992.

Love to see the happiness on your face while hearing this.

One of the best things Freddie could have done. You can tell she adored him....

It's beautiful how you express pure happiness watching (listening) to them! Childlike and sincere. 😊

Have we noticed how FABULOUS our Freddie looks, dressed as if he were born to wear that tux, quite a change from the Superman shirt and other "rock" outfits, but just as much Freddie!

Love watching this as they both sound amazing & Look so happy. How can I go on is another beautiful duet. Exercises in free love by Freddie is mind blowing to hear & is hard to believe it’s him. The story behind the making of this album is inspiring & I’m so happy Freddie was able to achieve this collaboration before his death. The music world lost two amazing legends.

Caballe said of Freddie "His technique was astonishing. No problem of tempo, he sang with an incisive sense of rhythm, his vocal placement was very good and he was able to glide effortlessly from a register to another. He also had a great musicality. His phrasing was subtle, delicate and sweet or energetic and slamming. He was able to find the right colouring or expressive nuance for each word." High praise indeed.

You're absolutely spot on, the likes of Mama Cass wouldn't get a contract these days. A world without the Mamas and the Papas isn't worth living in.

Freddie wan't singing live at this point because he was already sick - he had received his diagnosis and revealed it to Montserrat while they were recording, as he said he felt he owed it to her. She said he owed her nothing and that it made no difference, and always spoke so highly of him, saying he was sweet, considerate, and astoundingly talented. There're so many beautiful songs they recorded together, though! They did an entire album with 10 songs, and they definitely did adore each other. She was at the unveiling of his memorial with Freddie's mother, and was very upset by his death. He was apparently so nervous to meet her at first, as he was a huge fan. The most astounding thing he might have ever recorded in his career was "Exercises in Free Love", which didn't have lyrics but was just him sending her a demo/idea for a song - he sang her planned parts in countertenor, and sounds like a female opera singer! She was so shocked it was him, and insisted on releasing it as it was. There's no video of him singing, but definitely check out the recording!

Ty Valerie, when i first heard it in the late 80's, i fell in love with the song, the arrangement and Montserrat. It didnt do well at first, and wasnt a hit, not untill the 1992 Olympic games in Barcelona, a year after we lost the best male vocalist of all time. (to me anyway) Freddie always been a huge part of my life, my cousin had me listen to Queen and Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and the Beatles at the ripe old age of 5 or 6, or, the mid/late 70's, and i am still thankful for him teaching me about real music at that early age. (My favorite song at the time was "Disco Duck" by Rick Dees, no wonder he felt obligated to show me the music of Queen and the likes hehehe) I remember it all like it was yesterday, Queen's comeback in the 80's, Live Aid, the string of foreshadowing hits in the late 80's and early 90's, his unexpected death (after all, we didnt know he had Aids) and the amazing Tribute in his name, after his untimely death, so musicians and the world alike, could say goodbye to Freddie. GAWD i do miss Freddie still...... if any signer was taken away from us way too soon, then it has to be Freddie. Ty Valerie, for this piece of musical history, this song was, and always will be, amazing. (ps "Video killed the radio-star" by the Buggles was/is a great song, that indeed warned of exactly that, great voices being shunned because there was younger and prettier singers to look at... instead of listening to)

Beautiful song. Sounds almost like Christmas.

Goosebumps ! Fantastic ! Omg

Thank you for a wonderful wonderful review. I wish more of them were like your analysis. I loved Freddie in Queen since the 70's, but this was such a beautiful sea change from what we were used to hearing. Thank God for platforms like KZfaq that are allowing the youth of today to experience a taste of these people's genius. Freddie's artistry will live on forever and today's youth now can get the wonderful flavor of musical heroes like Montserrat. I've lost count of how many times I've gone back and listened to this and "How can I go on" and it still brings happy tears to my eyes. Thanks again for your awesome review.

Totally agree on looks do not make the artist.

That moment when Caballe drops her voice then glides up into the higher notes still thrills me after all this time.

the song that after all this years still gives me goosebumps ,i was 6 when it aired and made me fall in love with the music of freddy solo and with queen ,its timeless

You were making sighs of pleasure watching towards the end. I absolutely agree. I was surprised this song was not better known in the US. It was very big here in the UK at the time, but I'd forgotten just how incredible it was.

Very interesting remark that this intersection of the rock culture and opera is the precursor of the Dimash 2-in-1 style. Also, Mrs Caballe made a ''visible'' effort to keep her volume down so that not to overshadow Freddie (although the song was pre-recorded, as Freddie's illness at that time was visibly progressing ).

One of my favorites...such different styles but so much love!!!

Love the way Freddy (and Monti) makes people so happy and enthralled when listening to him.

Montserrat did an interview (I guess for Spanish entertainment) and when asked about partnering with Freddie she said it was the most freeing time of her career. That she had the most freedom to use her voice as she wanted on tour with him. In fact, when they started the tour Freddy was trying to downplay his usual power and flair so he wouldn't upstage her. Montserrat met him diva for diva and he had to catch up to her.

I love this,. You were literally giggling at some points! A truly masterful performance though, kind of hard not to.

the friendship between them was very strong, far beyond this song. Good video

WE MISS YOU FREDDIE WE ALWAYS WILL

Now, that's what I call SINGING! The Beauty and the Beast melting together their outstanding voices in perfect harmony :-)

Freddy had told her that he would not be around in 1992 to perform it. She only had 3 days free to record with him. She even agreed to do an album with him of his music. A shame he wasn't able to be around long enough to record it. I am sure it would have been amazing. Somebody to love would be a good one to have you do. RIP Freddie and Monserrat

I have watched all of the video Montserrat performances that I’ve been able to find (thank you KZfaq) and it is with every performance and even every practice session that she has with Freddy, that I can see how radiantly happy she is. It is clear that their love for each other is absolute and for this sublime opera star, she is happiest in these performances than she is in any other performance of her entire career. Not just happy with her performance, but personally happy to her core. This is what Freddy did for her.

Love her reaction. So glad she did their duet, as I've wondered what a voice teacher would say about this.

Thanks for your reaction, I have enjoyed watching you and listening such two voices

Great choice! always makes me smile.

I loved your reaction , it was clear to see how much you enjoyed this song , the entire album is a GEM ! 😃

Dear Valerie, Cabajjé said once: Freddie tought me he can I use better and different way my voice that I didn't know I was capable of!!. And before the recording sessions FReddie sent her a recording with his own voice singing Cabajjé 's part as well, so she would hear how it should sound! Unbelieveble. They loved each other very much. Freddie was her biggest fan in the world. Unfortunatelly they weren't happy at all when they performed this song in Barcelona, as Freddie have told her he was suffering from AIDS. Freddie's eyes were full of tears because he already know this could be his last performance, and Montserrat know his beloved friend was going to die. She was devastated. They even couldn't sing, so they were just mouthing as Freddie had a very severe throght infection. In addition the technicians made a huge mistake, when they started the casette it was too slow, so it has to be stopped and they had to start again from the beginning. So everyone had realized they weren't singing, but the audience were very understanding and they got standing ovation at the end.

You need to see the video of Golden Boy. It covers a variety of music genres. It is amazing.

Goosebumps.every.time!.So.Beautiful.

Great to hear an expert view on this ensemble. They were awesome together. Love your hair Valerie, looks fabulous...so natural.

When a dream comes true. That sustained note of Montserrat's towards the end is almost unearthly. Stunning!

I'd like to see Mick Jagger sing this masterpiece...I mean there can be only one!Freddie is larger than life...Love your videos...Keep it up!

That could well be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

Beautiful.

One of beautiful Freddie’s moments of pure indulgence. They became such good friends. Beautiful.

Love your reaction, I can see pure joy in you and I learned so much from your commentary.

One of Freddie's last recordings, DON'T TRY SO HARD, is an absolute must for you to hear. Thanx.

Both artist floored everyone somehow voices blend well together

A truly epic performance!!!

You have to listen to the Barcelona album , just wow .. Great reaction to the greatest showman ever

This brings me back to my early childhood, when i was around 7 here in Barcelona this was a big thing, it was part of the promotion of the Barcelona'92 olympic games and it was everywhere. It was planned that they performed this for the Opening Ceremony but sadly Freddy didn't make it to 1992. Still, I feel proud Barcelona was blessed with the touch of this two great performers, it is a great song.

Pavarotti did the same thing across many different genres and was glorious doing it, and I was fortunate enough to see him perform in Washington DC, a dream come true.

Beautiful Song for a Beautiful City ❤️❤️❤️❤️

„The Golden Boy“ with Freddie and Montserrat 🤘🤩

Amazing how their voices go together. ❤️❤️

Whoa, Val, just about blew my eardrums out there......😁

1987 ...... I can still remember seeing this on MTV for the first time. Their voices sound so amazing together. Freddy........such a huge loss.

Magicos..love Freddie ❤❤❤❤

This was Freddies dream come true! So glad he was able to before he passed. He knew at this time that he was going to die.

I just watched this video and was glad I did. I have seen them both performing this a couple of times and it is stunning. You mentioned that a persons looks play such an important part in how they are perceived. I would love you to listen watch this audition of Charlotte and Johnathan on BGT. So young with a terrific voice. Thank you for your reactions.

Goosebumps galore

Thank you for sharing your very perceptive insights to Freddie and Monserrat's performance. It certainly embellishes my pleasure in watching these. If it is not already on your list, try The Golden Boy from this same album. A whole new facet of their talents. Listening to Freddie without seeing the live performance is like listening to a great television show with only the audio on.

How can I go on, definitely !

Im totally with you !! well said !! x Mark London

Can I suggest you check out Freddie's Exercises in Free Love. No words, just notes, but it shows off the things Freddie could do with that amazing voice of his.

Valerie, Montserrat and Freddie became very very good buddies. She got a kick out of him and his charming and funny personality. They'd stay up until the wee hours in Freddie's beautiful suite with his beautiful piano and sing for hours, enjoying much Cognac and laughter. She was actually enthralled with the idea of rock music and Freddie was captivated with opera. They formed a wonderful friendship, and laughed with each other A LOT!! You're correct, they truly admired and liked each other. I recently watched a video about the two of them, and it highlighted their wonderful chemistry and the fact that they were from two different worlds; however, both loved music. It was a special friendship!!

One of the best Duets ever!

Quiero darle mis felicitaciones porque veo que usted es profesor de canto en serio,y tiene una vos maravillosa simplemente hablando y no quiero imaginarme cantando,, por favor, y Freddy y Monserrat para mí son los número uno, muchas gracias por su video!

This is a beautiful story. Freddie loved opera and heard Montsy at convent garden (he went to Pavarotti). He immediately declared that she was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard and he wanted the whole World to hear her. Freddie dreamed of meeting and singing it Montsy, but contrary to his stage image, Freddie was extremely shy and thought someone so famous would not want to meet him (he was probably by far the most famous singer in the world at this time). Anyway, during an interview with Spainish TV, Freddie was asked what he liked about Spain said he loved Montserrat Caballe. Montsy children were massive Queen fans and played their music around the house. So Montsy invited Freddie to come to Barcelona. Freddie apparently spent ages practising what he would say and how he could persuade her to sing with him. But when she arrived he forgot everything in his excitement and just gushed "I wrote a song for you". If you listen to the song Barcelona it is about Freddie's dream of singing with Montsy and this first meeting in Barcelona "I had this perfect dream, this dream was me and you, I want all the World to hear you, ...." Freddie and Montsy had a beautiful relationship and the love between them is obvious just from the way they look at each other. One is that when writing songs for Montsy, Freddie would sing the melody as an operatic Soprano and tape it, to see if Montsy liked it before starting the lyrics. One of these recordings was released "exercises in free love" after Freddie's death. When Montsy heard this tape, she secretly loved it, but told Freddie she wasn't sure about it and asked if she could take the tape to listen to later. She then got a friend to write lyrics and orchestrate it. She then surprised Freddie by singing it for him at a concert at convent garden when he was in the audience. They then recorded this Spainish version as a duet on the Barcelona album.

Good reaction. The only thing I will point ya out on is Freddie's peak was ten years before this song. This was towards the end when he was first diagnosed

Son increíbles los dos esta canción te llena el alma

Great reaction to a type of music I know little about. I think Freddie had some classic training before coming here. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Wonderful reaction! So much more to explore. Freddie confessed to Montserrat that he wouldn't be able to actually perform Barcelona live at the Olympics (1992). He told her he was dying (one of the few) and she cherished that he confided that to her. Breaks my heart. But there are other songs, an entire album. And early explorations as Freddie struggled to write the perfect music for her. He was in awe! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aJqAotuHp8ulkXk.html

so beautiful. i have the cd & listen to it often. on another cd is "exercises in free love" just freddies voice & he made this to send to monsey to show what he could do with his voice. it is so beautiful. i like to watch reactions to singers & you are my favorite but can not say why. i just know what i like & what i enjoy & i enjoy watching you. thank you

You are so correct, the voice should be the measure. Nothing else.

ESPECTACULAR. Un saludo.

We love you Freddy ❤️❤️❤️

Great reaction! It is nice to see how much you enjoy Montserrat's singing. It would be awesome if you could react to The Golden Boy by Freddie and Montserrat, it is an opera/ gospel song. Another song on the album is Ensueno, where Freddie actually did go for an opera approach, Montserrat convinced him to it, I would love to see some comments on that, it is the only on these song were he tried some opera. It would be nice if you could react to In the Lap Of The Gods Revisited live at Wembley 1986.

This was recorded for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992