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 & 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 & Paradoxes" is an affectionate and impassioned exchange of ideas that is deeply informed, profound and yet completely accessible.