When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra & the Theremin

When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra & the Theremin is an emotive, visually stunning, and inspiring documentary released in 2014, showcasing the life of the esteemed theremin virtuoso, Armen Ra. The film features Armen Ra himself, as well as a host of other personalities such as the renowned stylist Patricia Field and the notable American transgender model, Amanda Lepore. Directed and compiled by Robert Nazar Arjoyan, this film offers an intimate view into the unique journey of Armen Ra from his childhood in Iran to his resounding success as a celebrated musician in New York City.

This enchanting biographical film showcases the life of this little-known musical genius and his arduous journey towards success. Armen Ra, introduced to the rare theremin instrument, a touchless, electronic instrument, at a young age in his homeland of Iran, instantly felt a connection. The ethereal and haunting sounds produced by the theremin encapsulate a deep sense of sorrow and melancholy, emotions that Armen deeply identified with due to his experiences growing up.

Armen's story is one of resilience and passion, emerging from a backdrop marked by political unrest. Amid the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq war, his family fled to the United States. With no formal training and faced with numerous adversities, young Ra harnessed his raw emotive power to turn toward the theremin, mastering its complicated techniques. The theremin, with its eerie, otherworldly sound that arises from manipulating electromagnetic fields, served both as his catharsis and passport to fame.

When My Sorrow Died paints a vivid picture of Armen Ra's professional trajectory. The beginning of his performance career kicked off when he was discovered in an East Village coffee shop in New York City. From the clubs of the underground to chic Manhattan locales, Armen Ra's music found fervent admirers from all walks of life. It wasn’t long before he enchanted the audiences of sold-out performances at prestigious venues such as The Gugenheim and Lincoln Center.

Armen’s impact as a thereminist transcends his personal story; his efforts to stimulate mainstream interest in the theremin have made the film an important piece of work for music enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, it is Ra's collaborations with prominent stars which propelled him from relative obscurity into the limelight. Here, the film shines a compelling light on his collaborations with well-known artists like Marc Almond, Antony (of Antony and The Johnsons), and Blonde Redhead to name a few. A standout being his partnership with pop legend Nicki Minaj, lending the theremin's ethereal sounds to her Pink Friday world tour.

Featuring interviews from a roster of celebrities, artists and designers, like Patricia Field, who scouted RuPaul and is known for working on Sex and the City, the film’s structure is both informative and engaging. The documentary also includes heartfelt commentary from Amanda Lepore, an icon in the transgender community and a renowned model, who offers a rich perspective on Armen Ra's artistry.

Highlighted with beautiful cinematic shots from the streets of Tehran, New York, and Los Angeles, this film functions as a picturesque narrative that fuses the flavors of the East with the West, mirroring Ra's own life and musical journey. The influence of Eastern tradition on Ra’s theremin mastery is beautifully juxtaposed with his experiences and the musical practices of the Western world.

In its essence, When My Sorrow Died enables viewers to connect with the tumultuous, yet highly inspirational life of Armen Ra. It possesses an authentic tone with sincerity beyond doubt, making it more than just a narrative of a musician’s rise to fame. Instead, it is a raw and deeply human story of the role music plays in expressing the myriad of human emotions, igniting an intrigue in the theremin instrument and opening doors to its unique music world.

The film encapsulates not only the power of music as a universal language but also the power of human spirit in overcoming adversity. Watch and be prepared to embark on an enthralling journey of musical exploration, individual fortitude and the shaping of an expansive, worldwide legacy. When My Sorrow Died stands as an anthem of inspiration and a testament of triumph, proving there is room for every artist, no matter how unconventional their path may be.