Israeli Daniel Barenboim, one of the finest musicians of our times, and Palestinian Edward Said, eminent literary critic and leading expert on the Middle East, have been close friends for years. ''Parallels and Paradoxes'' is a series of discussions between the two friends about music, politics, literature and society, Barenboim and Said talk about, among other subjects, the differences between writing prose and music; the compromising politician versus the uncompromising artist; Beethoven as the ultimate sonata composer; Wagner (Barenboim is considered by many to be the greatest living conductor of his work); great teachers; and the power of culture to transcend national differences. Illuminating and deeply moving, ''Parallels and Paradoxes'' is an affectionate and impassioned exchange of ideas.