British guitarist analyses the power duo of Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé! 

This song always makes me cry, you can see the amazing emotional connection between Freddie and Montserrat.

I know everyone is rightfully amazed by Freddie's performance here. I am included in that group. I'm unsure how many people appreciate the greatness of Montserrat's voice and musicianship. When she was in her prime about 10-15 years before this, she was possibly the greatest prima donna of all time. The control and ability to match with Freddie without overpowering him is amazing. I love that this is analysis and not reaction -- keep them coming!

Freddie looks and sounds like he was born to do this! And great smile, Fil. ✌️

Montserrat was Freddie’s favorite opera singer. In her autobiography, she describes how she met him when he attended one of her concerts at Royal Albert Hall. She didn’t know who he was. However, she invited him to the after concert party, during which they clicked so well, that she went to his home after that and they talked and discussed music until breakfast time, and she came away a true fan. She spoke so highly of his talent, his charisma, his style, his genius. They were fast friends after that. Freddie admired her for her remarkable breathing control and the timbre of her voice. Freddie loved opera and in fact the opening of Queen’s Night at the Opera is the story of Cavelleria Rusticana - Mama... just killed a man... later on, in the song, Mozart’s Don Giovanni comes in too -arguing with the devil. Another great video Fil! As always interesting and informative. Loved it!

Freddie never ceased to astound me ....How many other front men for a Multi million dollar selling band can create tons of chart topping hits, legendary songs, influence the musical world in so many ways..and then hold his own with one of the greatest opera divas in modern history . I am simply speechless. Good one Phil Loved the freakin hell out of this !Rest in Peace Freddie , You were in every way , by every measure...one of a kind.

The best album ever produced. Freddie and Montsy, friends until the end.

TIME STAMPS - 1:20 Performance 4:56 Analysis Start 5:45 Orchestral Dynamics 10:37 Vocal Analysis 13:44 Vibrato Pitch Range, Slowed 15:17 Vibrato Comparison 17:04 Freddie's Belting in Chest 18:35 Perceived Drama 20:41 Final Example Slowed 21:51 Performance Background

Freddie said that he wanted this to be a combination of rock and opera. Freddie also said that he was not an opera singer and that he was not going to try to pretend to be one. It didn't seem to me that Freddie moved like an opera singer, he didn't accentuate his movements with the flair that Monserrat did, but moved more like one might expect from a rock singer. I like the way these two genres came together on this album. I am always amazed how well Freddie sings with having no professional vocal training at any time in his life. Thank you for presenting this and going over the fine points.

That was so fantastic I cannot find the words to describe it. I could listen to it over and over.

Watching and listening knowing of Freddie's condition already at that time makes this so much more epic and impressive. He knew he would not make it until 1992 for the Olympics and she was let into the very small circle of close loved ones that knew. This being a hidden reason for this spectacular performance, to be on par with the grandness of the opening ceremonies, so they would have his part to play alongside her live.

This is one of your best videos. You really nail the way that two superficially similar but actually very different vocal styles blend so well together. I saw Queen live at Knebworth in 1986. I will never forget how absolutely, shockingly brilliant Freddie was. I have never seen a performer simply own a stage, and an audience, like that. Before or since.

Their collaborations remain at the top of my most favourite musical diversions. Happy Birthday Freddie Mercury.

What strikes me is how versatile Freddie's voice was in range and pitch and how it complements and accentuates the singing of Montserrat as well as her voice complementing Freddie's voice. Thanks for covering this beautiful blending of voices... You really do justice to Freddie's abilities as a singer and his capability in working with a classically trained singer to create an amazing compilation of singing talent... So glad I got to see and hear this astounding collaboration of such versatile singing voices.

Freddie, getting me through the current world situation and pandemic. He is such a blessing to those of us who were left behind. Going to see you one day, in heaven Freddie, but hope you know how much your are loved and missed. Thank you for another great video, Fil. I have been struggling lately with all that is happening here in the US and I look around me and don't recognize myself, my country, my neighbors or this world. Never have I felt so far removed. Only Freddie and my daughter are getting me through this and it is day by day. FREDDIE LIVES FOREVER.

Always enjoy some Freddie. Already showing signs of being ill. Sad losing him, love his special talent. Thanks for the Vid.

A life long dream for Freddie coming true and what a performance.

Thank you Fil; great analysis as always. Love Freddie... legend. So incredible that he wrote these songs in such a relatively short time.. and could stand tall next to the amazing ‘Montsie’. There was a deep, deep love between them... and he left us way too early.

The moment that you stepped into the room you took my breath away " has always been my favorite line , I noticed you 🙂👍smiling each time it got to that line

I saw Caballe three times when she was alive in NYC......her voice was other worldly. She and Jose Carrara’s were great friends.

My favorite Freddie Mercury song. Goosebumps and tears!

Freddie Mercury is my all time favourite singer. All started when I was 14. My teacher showed us the documentary Super Size Me. Fat Bottomed Girls was featured in that movie, and I was like "What kind of song is that?" I knew about The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, and other bands from England. But I had no idea who QUEEN was. I saw their Live AID show later that night (VIA RU-vid) and blew myself away. I just could not believe I saw the most pure musical performer in music history. Thank you so much for this video :-) I love all your videos. Like I always tell you, Fil, you are the teacher the world needs right now. Your lessons are awesome.

I remember watching this performance so long ago and it still gives me goosebumps! Freddie’s brilliance had no boundaries, he was born to sing and perform....a true legend in every way! Excellent Fil! Cheers Mario! 😀👌🤘

Montserrat said in an interview that the time she spent with Freddie was the most surprising, beautiful, and happy of her life.

I am so wowed. Freddie is simply mesmerizing.

So much emotion in the music. Another singer that we lost way too soon. The arrangement and production are brilliant.

Fil, This is Totally Spectacular Here, Freddie in a Tux, He was a Diamond, only one Freddie will ever exsist, He will never be replaced, R.I.P. to Him, Cousin Figel

That lady could split atoms

What a good way to demonstrate the different vibratos. I would have never noticed the difference before. I remember hearing something about Freddy Mercury singing with an opera singer, but never took the time to try to watch it! Thanks

I had been resisting listening listening to this because I am not very fond of opera. I was afraid it would change my view of Freddie You opened my eyes and I'm so so glad I listened to their performance. It was cosmically beautiful. Thank you!!

Thank you for your analysis of Freddie and Monserrat on Freddie’s actual birthday, as well as appreciating Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran’s work. Especially knowing Freddie is a self-taught artist. Queen was one of my favorite rock bands as a teenager. You state that the video is “gold” for comparison in voices,” and I state your videos are platinum in analysis and detail. If I were a billionaire I believe I would invest in creating a cable TV music analysis channel for you, not to mention that smile of yours would attract Women like chicks to a 1950’s Elvis, and guys to the rock analysis component. Lol!

Wow ,what a story/ show ! He was born to do this . RIP man . Stay safe everyone. Thanks for this Fil, and it didn’t get removed because of copyrights , yeah ! ❤️ Nice . Unmistakable indeed ! The composition is a journey in and of itself. 🙂

Freddie and Monserrat recorded one of the best true crossover albums of all time. If anyone reading this hasn't heard the album from which this song was drawn, get it! One thing that I always loved about Freddie/Queen was that they could hit the pitch perfectly straight through without coming in a bit flat and wavering up to pitch. Monserrat must have really enjoyed the experience of recording with one of those "rock and roll" guys...

Nobody is now or will ever be a better frontman or showman than Freddie Mercury. He is music royalty. Period.

I miss Freddie.

Fil is endlessly interesting. I love so much his analysis of Freddie's pop song vibrato and Montserrat's opera vibrato. Fabulous!

Hi Fil! One of my favorite duets! I have listened to this so many times! I remember when Freddie did the interview praising her! She heard about it, and the rest is history! This duet was beyond gorgeous! Loved every moment of it! Freddie did a beautiful job with his vocals! Freddie was a genius! Very much missed! ✌️ Loved the way you explained it...perfect!

Outstanding analysis of a stellar performance. I have seen this video before. I hope all those to whom it is new will take the time to watch it all the way through. A breathtaking blend of styles where truly the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Hey Fil! Hope you're doing well. Thanks for this. Freddie is my all time favorite singer. He was phenomenal. He is so missed.

What an unusual yet surprisingly compatible pairing. I had the pleasure of attending live performances of Montserrat Caballe at the Metropolitan Opera. She was quite the operatic diva and Barcelona was her native city. Thank you for highlighting the different vibrato styles.

Just goes to show the depth and breath of his talent, not to mention the guts it took for a rocker to go into a totally different genre

One Of The Most Basazz SOngs About A City Ever Sung. Thank You for taking the time to break this down. Very Interesting.I know Freddy Would Be pleased As Punch someone many years later are breaking down his voice.

Thank you Fil, I really enjoyed your analysis. I love hearing these two impeccable voices together; it gave me chills.

Hi Phil am glad you're back with another stunning one!Am blown away by your analysis, very precise and witty.Freddie was a great musician.Who can dare sing with such a gifted Diva and get away with that?It takes guts and pure talent!Thanks for your video. Keep it up!

Thanks for providing a great and thorough analysis on Freddy Mercury and Monserrat Caballe's stellar performance of "Barcelona." As you suggested, I watched their performance video all the way through. I agree with you that this performance is a "goldmine," as you described it--there's so much in it in terms of dramatic elements as well as both instrumental and vocal dynamics(e.g. pitch range, vibrato application). You always have me musically thinking--thanks, Fil!

This was amazing Phil. Slowing it done for clarity and then listening again you get even more appreciation of the artistry and talent of both of them.

Absolutely no doubt about the talent and skill of Freddie Mercury, and though I’d never heard her before, Monserrat. Thoroughly enjoyed the performance which I did go listen to twice more. However, I’m totally blown away by Fil’s analytical skill. Wow.

So beautiful. Thanks for explaining. Amazing to think Freddie was singing with an incredible opera singer while ill with AIDS. He was otherworldly. He was also so amazed by her. He went to see Pavarotti but when he heard her small part he was amazed by her voice and asked to meet her!

Montserrat is still my Favorite opera singer, and I have a new appreciation of Freddie Mercury’s capabilities. Such talent, both of them. RIP

That was beautiful! And your explanation about the differences in their singing techniques answered so many questions I’ve had over the years. I like that you can explain these things so that your average listener can understand. Thanks so much for analyzing this performance.

Wonderful analysis! I love when artists step out of the box, so Freddie singing this with his Diva friend Montserrat is right up my alley!

Freddie Mercury was a musical genius. First time seeing this.

The vocal gymnastics of la Suprema perfectly frames Freddy's voice. Albeit, not at her prime this is still a magnificent performance.

Wow. Freddie sang with every bit of his body! This was phenomenal. Thanks for bringing it home.

Excellent analysis Fil. Another home run 😊

I saw Queen live at Winterland in San Francisco California. One of the classiest shows I've ever seen. I think David Bowie and Queen were two of the classiest acts in rock and roll. Freddie came out and he drink a champagne toast to what he called the the most sophisticated audience ever. Well we all really liked that. I think the first rock opera we saw was Jesus Christ Superstar the Who's Tommy and Hair. Meatloaf did a pretty good job of operatic rock and roll. Nobody does Opera like the Italians. Queen definitely kicked it up a notch. There were other bands that were also making their mark Sweet and Be-Bop Deluxe. Doo wop was also vocally more advanced than what was going on in rock and roll. Country songs will also work as rock and roll songs. To rock an Opera, or write opera that is rock, that's talent with a twist. Very cool and much appreciated. Thanks Freddie.

Thank you so much for that! I not only enjoyed one of my favorite performances, but I learned a lot of new information about singing, both pop and opera. You did a great job explaining everything.

We would never think you are manipulating any performance. Freddie had such an amazing voice. I wasn't aware of this video; what a performance Thank you.

What a gorgeous tone and pitch this diva had- like no other!

Now I'm amazed to better understand Barcelona's creation/style. It was prepared for a Sports Stadium activity. thousands and thousands gathered to encourage/mourn every competition by highly prepared athletes who worked many years to participate Therefore, applause, applause Freddie Mercury, Mike Moran and Montserrat for providing this beautiful composition enhancing the 1992 Olympics I see why your music won the competition.

Freddie was amazing. I can't even imagine any other rock singer that would even attempt to do that. He was so brave. I think that they became great friends and she was one of the first ones that Freddie told about his illness. Thank you for posting that video. You are amazing too! I just love how you do different genres of music and you are so intelligent about them all. Did you study classical nusic?

Every video you make with Freddie Mercury, you are smiling😊 i love it

I'm at a loss for words which is unusual for me. All I can say is WOW and once again thanks Fil you walked me through my first time hearing this although I've admired Mr. Mercury for many, many years.

Freddie Mercury = My KING! Thank you so much for this one, Fil...so EXCELLENT! Rock on!

Love your channel. Great, balanced reviews xx

I've watched at least 3-4 different reaction videoes from vocal coach reactors to this song. All of them were interesting and great in themselves, but I learned more of the difference in the voices between these two great performers in this video alone than in all of the other ones combined.

I love watching your covering a wide variety of performers and arrangemnts as compared to any other channels. Always so interesting and knowledgable. Freddie and Monserat apart from their amazing vocal abilities both possess a dramatic ability. Watching Monserat's eyes and hand movement is beguiling. Freddie stage presence is a perfect match in this epic performance. Thank you for this amazing analysis.

Thank you for this! He loved Montserrat so much, he wrote an entire album for her: Barcelona(with some help from Mike Moran and Tim Rice)! He sometimes sent her tapes with her guide vocals in his falsetto. I do believe the feeling was mutual.

When Freddie was getting into the song, before it was slowed down, it reminded me of his singing in 'Princes of The Universe', the Highlander song. PLEASE listen to the full song! It's wonderful!

Not the video I was looking for, but the video I watched.

You are enchanting, Mr Wings of Pegasus. Really incisive and informative analysis. The wellspring of 'Barcelona''s gestation was Mercury's fascination, and respect for, what he called the 'best voice in the world.' He was nervous, awe-struck, humble. But this video of yours proves him to be the musician that he, too, could claim to be. Caballe recognised that, and moreover, said 'Musicians understand each other.' Later she would say 'He conquered me'. He gave her a rush of excitement, delight, arousal which was forbidden territory for her. She called it freedom. And your sweet smile watching them mirrors our delight in unpacking these mysteries.

So very interesting!! Thank you for the work you put into this. Wow!!

I thought that Freddie looked so handsome too

Thankyou so much for the breakdown, particularly on the vibrato. I'd always recognised this as a kind of 'call and response' with Monserrat and never really noticed the shift in pitches. Outside of Live Aid, this is my favourite Freddy performance. Because look at him! In a tux, next to an opera singer and he is not the slightest bit out of place, musically or dynamically. How many mainstream frontmen could you say that about? None!, that's how many. Even though this is not his stage, he still somehow manages to own it with his charisma and mannerisms. At the Remembrance Concert in 1992, Robert Plant said it the best when he said 'it's testament to Freddy that a lot of the artists here are changing the keys of the songs because they just can't do a 'Freddy''. That is a lovely compliment from someone who is also regarded as the greatest frontman ever. Imagine...

That song gives me the chills!

Incredible that you broke it down so wonderfully and showed how the differences between them is there. Thank you it was such fun and a tribute to two incredible singers we'll never see again

I know this is mostly about Freddie but Montserrat Caballé is an amazing singer.

Great video analyzing two great singers!!...My Granddaughter might be born tomorrow (today now for some of you) on Freddie’s birthday, September 5th. I hope so!

There was a documentrary from French TV on YT, about Montse's 1974 performance in Bellini's Norma at the Roman Theatre in Orange, France. Montse was great at pianissimo. She was playng major roles first in Basel and then in Bremen at a very young age by modern standards, after studying at the Liceu in Barcelona. Jose Carreras was a good friend of hers. When he had leukemia, Montse contacted some friends, and the result was the Three Tenors. In early performances, you can see Placido steadying Jose.

First time watching your channel. It popped up because of Freddie's birthday yesterday, and I subscribe to many Queen channels. Love this! I especially love the smile on your face as you watched Freddie & Montserrat. Thanks.

His vocals were his and no one can compare! He was not trained in a operatic vein but that’s ok...the dual was wonderful! I’m not one for opera, but I am always a one for talent...always talent! It’s amazing to the difference...but it’s all gr8! Thanks Fil...what a day to start with...thank you!

Freddie' s just amazing in this.....and lets monzerat shine as well....truly magical....🙂🙂

I really enjoyed your analysis of this masterpiece. Most people with channels don't have a clue what they are talking about and do what they do, (of course, claiming this was the first time they saw or heard it...BS) and are there selling their facial response to the piece. You on the other hand dissect the piece bit by bit and teach your audience something they would not have seen or known before. That was amazing. You mentioned the over-the-top intro to this performance. I interpreted it as an almost Royal introduction to two of the most off-the-hook performers about to grace you with their musical presents it was surly app repo for what was about to happen. I have listened to the who album 50 times and never tire of it. I seem to get as emotional each time as I did the first time I heard/saw it. It's just that indelible. When you hear pieces like "How can I go on" especially when it was written at the time of his life when he knew his years were not many, it is heart rendering. I love seeing so many young people that were never even born during Freddies time loving, and appreciating his music generation after generation, and trying to cover it. Freddie and Queen were giants in the music world and their music will be loved and appreciated for many many generations. Thank you for your interesting dissection of this piece. You have a new fan

I think that it would have been intresting to see how Freddie would have continue to grow and develop his taste and musical preferences. Just watchibg these performances you can see how much he loved this type of music. The joy on his face and in his voice. Even watching some of the other video's just seeing the pure and utter joy just brings tears . I appreciate how diverse his ability to create music was and on some ways feel like we truly lost a sensational musician. Just watching this makes me wonder what else coukd he have done and accomplish. Too me, I like to think he may have delved deeper into this form of music and even wrote his own opera. who knows. Thank you, I truly enjoyed this analysis and it has made me appreciate his vocal abilities even more. I really enjoyed the lesson. It will give me an added appreciation of the work .

Freddie’s as sexy in a tux as he is in his Superman tank top. Impressive performance too. Love the drama!

It shouldn't work together but it really does and wow

I don’t know who the guy is that is explaining this video is, but he has the most beautiful smile! And he seems to know what he’s talking about...

Vibrato demo was exceptional. Anybody who doesn't understand vibrato after that wasn't paying attention.

so grateful to you for providing this musical education and exposure.well done!

Freddie and Montserrat perfectly matched! Was there anything Freddie couldn't sing? Well no.

Great comments. Wonderful collaboration and friendship between these two.

I love this analysis! Thank you very much, Fil...

I have been binge watching reactions. I love your walk through. Brings so much more emotion. Wonderful!

Thank you for breaking this down. I know this was a dream of his

I really enjoy your analysis of music. You have taught me more than I thought I would know.

Wow! Thank you! I've always wondered why so many of the Divas sound off-key to my ears! It must be the wide vibrato that they use. I never thought about that!

Astonishingly powerful. Legendary.

Amazing how more powerful her voice is.

This is a really great analysis, Queen and Freddie does not block their music! I would like for someone to analyse the song Ensueno, it is the only song they did together where Freddie really did singing opera. Of course it is really interesting to see the difference between classical and contemporary singing. Another interesting song they did together was The Golden Boy. Yes, this is really not a song for baritone, especially not in full chest voice. A lot of people think when a voice sounds deeper and richer that it sounds baritone like, but you do get tenors with quite deep voices. A dramatic tenor and lyric baritone can sound very close together at times.Freddie could change up his vibrato as well, he does an intro for a Billy Squier song Love Is The Hero, he did an amazing vibrato on that intro.

Thank you for this! Your analyses are so fantastic and interesting, and I feel like I learn a lot. I played violin since age 5 was in an audition required youth orchestra, so the descriptions of how the music works makes a lot of sense to me, but I don’t know a lot about vocal training, except that I know what I enjoy, and feel like the average person who can think, ‘wow, that person’s voice is fantastic’ vs ‘meh, nothing special.’ Freddie Mercury is obviously one in a million with his voice and stage performance, and so is Monserrat Caballe, unbelievable soprano. The two of them being together is like a match made in Heaven, that seems in a lot of ways so unlikely, but all the songs from this fantastic album are amazing…he still has his style (rock) but amazingly, the two of them together, just work! Love the analysis, so interesting!! So sad that he was not able to sing this with her at the Olympics.

Uptown ROCK in a tuxedo!! 👌