Hugo Bigi’s accordion music captured Swiss hearts

Swiss accordionist Hugo Bigi would have turned 100 on Sunday. In an article published by SRF, his son, television presenter Hugo Bigi junior, recalls the musician’s extraordinary life and musical legacy.

Big i’s extensive body of compositions and the long-running presence of his ensemble made him one of the most influential accordionists in postwar Switzerland. He wrote more than 700 pieces, many of which are still performed by Swiss folk ensembles and accordionists.

A polka for his great love

Big i wrote his first composition when he was not yet 20. He dedicated it to Käthi, his great love and future wife. His son describes the virtuoso quick polka Blond Käthchen as exceptional.

“I get goosebumps when I hear the piece,” Bigi junior said.

Käthi Bigi was her husband’s great love, according to their son. While Hugo was the artist in the family and did not take care of household tasks, Käthi supported him and gave him the freedom to pursue his music. Family harmony strengthened the household, Bigi junior said.

A musical genius

Hugo Bigi had perfect pitch. His son once struck a spoon against a water glass, and his father identified the note as F sharp. A check on the piano confirmed that he was right.

His melodies came entirely from his head, Bigi junior said. “They simply tumbled out of him. He only had to put them on paper.”

Big i’s first four-person ensemble was founded in 1949. Hans Kuratli played bass, Ernst Steiner played a wind instrument and Albert Weber played piano.

Musicians including Sepp Boschi performed with Bigi, who was also drawn to swing. His extraordinary musicality allowed him to play in every genre, his son said.

Music in the family

Big i’s father came to Switzerland from northern Italy as a guest worker and was also a gifted singer. His sons devoted themselves to the accordion.

Hugo Bigi junior appeared on television with his father in 1984, playing piano. He later became known as a presenter at Tele Zürich and continues to make music.

His father gave him his first long-playing record, the Beatles album Rubber Soul. Bigi junior also listened to Deep Purple, he said.

The family was closely connected to Ticino, where they often spent their holidays. “I was conceived there,” Bigi junior said, adding that his father’s roots lay even farther south.