Composer David Bertok, known for his work on Peace by Chocolate, Daughter of the Sun, and Botero, has received an Emmy nomination for his music in Netflix’s Chef’s Table: Legends. In this interview, Bertok reflects on the surreal experience of the nomination, his long-term collaboration with Duncan Thum, and the artistry behind scoring the story of world-renowned chef José Andrés.
The Emmy Nomination
Bertok described his initial reaction as “surreal” when he saw his name alongside Hans Zimmer:
“Hans Zimmer’s score for The Rock was the first film music album I ever bought as a teenager, and to be nominated in the same category now… just incredible.”
Collaboration With Duncan Thum
Bertok emphasized the importance of his creative partnership with Duncan Thum, which began during their days at USC:
“We both feel that we learned a lot from each other, pushed each other creatively, and are very proud of the music we composed together. It feels like something more evolved than what each of us could have done on our own.”
Scoring José Andrés’ Story
The inspiration for the score came directly from the personality and dual life of José Andrés:
“He is an incredible chef and culinary mastermind, but also a humanitarian and the founder of World Central Kitchen. We had those two pillars to depict with the music, along with a third pillar of vulnerable, personal reflections.”
A standout sequence in the episode is the “Food Symphony”, a poetic montage of dishes accompanied only by music. Bertok and Thum crafted a blend of driving piano, rhythmic string orchestra, soaring solo violin, and Spanish guitar to capture Andrés’ playfulness, drive, and charisma.
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Balancing Tonal Shifts
The episode spans contrasting environments, which required musical flexibility while maintaining cohesion:
“The eclectic instrumentation was held together by the string orchestra. Depending on the scene, we leaned into synthesizers, processed vocals, piano, or nylon string guitar.”
This approach allowed the score to transition seamlessly between intimate reflection and grand moments.
The Art of Balancing Documentary and Drama
For Bertok, the success of Chef’s Table lies in its fusion of authenticity and artistry:
“The show leans into both worlds unapologetically. The honesty of the real-life stories combined with the theatrical visuals allows the music to be expressive and unrestricted.”
With his Emmy-nominated score for Chef’s Table: Legends, David Bertok showcases how music can elevate documentary storytelling into something cinematic and deeply emotional. His collaboration with Duncan Thum reflects not only technical mastery but also the human element of shared creativity.
