Alexandre Jean Albert Lavignac (Jan. 21, 1846 - May 28, 1916) was a French music scholar, and composer. He wrote several essays about music theory, and Richard Wagner's operas and use of leitmotifs, among other things. 

Lavignac was born in Paris, and studied at the Paris Conservatory, and went on to teach harmony there (some of his most famous students were Claude Debussy and Vincent d'Indy.) He wrote many essays about music theory, and even a book about the characteristics of various instruments, and also different keys. As far as composing music, he wasn't particularly prolific, however one piece of his has captured the interest of pianists, his Galop-Marche à Huit Mains. This fun and entertaining piece is for one piano, eight hands, and it's quite a crowd pleaser. The parts aren't particularly difficult, and the parts are written so that not everyone is tripping over each other's hands.

The intro of the work sounds serious and intense, but soon opens up to a funny, light-hearted galloping melody. It's interrupted briefly by a more calm, lyrical melody (which happens again later), but the jolly galloping melody is the mainstay of this crowd pleaser!

Sadly we can't find a recording of this, but thankfully this fun piece is on Youtube for everyone to enjoy!