If he had his way, Martin Haselbock would be preparing to wrap up a successful weekend of performances of Bach, culminating with St. Matthew Passion.

Haselbock, musical director of Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra, had been looking forward to this for months. Of course, things have changed, as have plans, and Haselbock instead finds himself in his home in Vienna, playing the organ, getting a lot of reading done and communicating with the many musicians he works with around the globe.

Fortunately, he also had time to spend with us on our new Live Chat series. Haselbock spoke of his disappointment not being able to perform in Long Beach, of the distinction between a musician playing and performing, about why Beethoven is a rock star and Bach is not and of that period in his life when he lived for metal. Heavy metal.