"Barcelona" is a collaborative studio album released in 1988, featuring the talents of Queen lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury, and celebrated Spanish soprano, Montserrat Caballé. The album was a remarkable fusion of opera and rock genres, a departure from Mercury's usual style.
This project was birthed originally from Mercury's long-standing admiration for Caballé, whom he had once described as his favourite soprano. In 1986, they first performed together in Ibiza, at an event promoting the Spanish island. This performance was well-received, leading to a more formal collaboration on the album "Barcelona."
The title track "Barcelona" was also the opening song on the album and was later chosen as the official anthem for the 1992 Summer Olympics, which took place in Barcelona, after Mercury's death. The album consists of eight tracks, each showcasing the unique blend of Mercury's rock influences and Montserrat's operatic range. Other standout songs in the album include "The Fallen Priest" and "Ensueño."
Unfortunately, this rock-opera collaboration was initially met with mixed reviews from music critics. However, after Mercury's death in 1991 and the subsequent rise of the title track's popularity during the 1992 Olympics, the album experienced a resurgence and is now considered a significant piece in both artists' respective discographies.
Sadly, Mercury and Caballé only performed the album in its entirety once, in May 1988. Mercury's health began rapidly declining soon after, preventing any further live performances. The album is seen as a precious memento of a unique musical union, providing a testament to the artistic range and versatility of both Mercury and Caballé.
