In the case of Chintalapalli Suryanarayana Rao, it will not be an exaggeration if it is said "Music was in his blood". He belonged to the great Chintalapalli tradition, which is the oldest surviving music parampara in the world, whose history dates back to 800 years.

Suryanarayana Rao was a class of his own league, a musician who provided a blend of classical melodies which are eternal even today in the hearts of music lovers all over the globe.

Born in Bangalore on May 23, 1937, Suryanarayana Rao was the grandson of legendary musician Asthana Vidwan Late Sri Chintalapalli Venkata Rao and the son of Asthana Vidwan Late Sri Chintalapalli Ramachandra Rao.

Suryanarayana Rao trained in Carnatic music under his illustrious grandfather and father. Rao's first concert, when he was just 13, was a fabulous moment, where he was accompanied by his father at the Sharada Sangeeta Sabha. He also had the privilege of sharing the dais alongside his grandfather at Tanjavur Gana Sabha. He later teamed up with his younger brother Late Sri Chintalapalli Chandrashekar and the duo mesmerised music lovers to no end with their unique style of alapanas and birakas.

Suryanarayana Rao was known for his swaras, kirtanas and devaranamas. He had a special liking for ragas like Hindola, Kalyani, Kalahara priya, Bhairavi, Sindhu Bhairavi, Hamsadhvani, Mohana, etc.

He has given numerous concerts at venues all over India, including Chennai's Narada Gana Sabha, Madurai Sangeeta Sabha, Madurai and Tiruchur Sangeeta Sabha, Tiruchur, Bangalore's Gayana Samaja and at Fort High School Ramotsava celebrations. He had a special liking for his hometown Chintalapalli, where he has performed at Anjaneya Seva Samithi's Ramotsava celebrations.

Suryanarayana Rao was not only a great musician but a great tutor too. He would always say, “Knowledge is luminous and so let’s spread it.” He taught at Ramana Maharshi's School for the Blind till he breathed his last. His noble service to the blind was recognised by the Government of India which honoured him posthumously.
His expertise in music has earned him many awards and accolades too.

This article is a tribute to the great musician whose death anniversary was celebrated last month.