Salut D’Amour

Edward Elgar 1857-1934

Salut d’Amour, Op. 12, was composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1888. He completed the composition in July 1888, at a time when he was romantically involved with Caroline Alice Roberts, whom he eventually married and had a daughter. He initially named the work “Liebesgruss” or “Love’s greeting” as Miss Robert’s was fluent in German. He presented it to her as an engagement present.

The first editions were for violin and piano, piano solo, cello, and piano, and for small orchestra. Few copies were sold until Schott changed the title to “Salut d’Amour” with Liebesgruss as a sub-title, and the composer’s name as ‘Ed. Elgar.

The first public performance was the orchestral version at Crystal Palace in 1889. It is one of his best-known works which I never tire of playing. I find something new every time I play it, a little nuance here or there.