Melodies are the foundation of much of our greatest music. For neo-classical pianist Chad Lawson, it’s the tunes that have lain undiscovered that most appeal to him. “Lesser-known melodies carry a unique charm and intriguing narratives,” he says. “And each one is a story that deserves to be heard and cherished.” Voices Across Borders: Unheard Melodies takes us across the world, showcases works by female composers including Florence Price and Amy Beach, and explores classical music’s multicultural roots. The journey begins with Siloti’s expansive arrangement of J.S. Bach’s B minor Prelude and the worlds of French Baroque and American minimalism with Rameau and John Adams. Lawson introduces us to the profound lyrical expression of Grazyna Bacewicz’s String Quartet No. 3 and the rhythmic charm of Chiquinha Gonzaga’s “Corta-Jaca.” “It’s a real tour de force of hidden classics,” he says. The playlist ends on a serene note with Eric Whitacre’s ethereal, dream-like Sleep arranged for a marimba quartet. “I handpicked each track in this playlist because they have this special power to create a calming yet stirring vibe,” adds Lawson. “These are pieces that create a sense of togetherness and harmony, crossing all those geographical and cultural boundaries that too often separate us.”