Croatian composer, melographer and music composer Antun Dobronić (Jelsa, 1878 – Zagreb, 1955) studied composition and conducting at the Prague Conservatory in the master class of Prof. Vítězslav Novak. He worked as a teacher on the islands of Hvar and Vis, in Drniš, Split and Zadar. After his studies in Prague Dobronić went to Zagreb and lectured at the Teacher Training School. In 1918 he was appointed professor of the Zagreb Academy of Music where he worked until his retirement. His entire creative oeuvre is imbued with folk elements from the region of his origin. He weaved folk music heritage into his work to such an extent that, in terms of style, it can be defined as a synthesis of Neoclassicism based on the folk music ideology.

His oeuvre includes about 200 compositions: eight symphonies, five pieces for string quartet, twelve cantatas, a large number of choir music and carols, thirteen operas and five ballets. One of his most impressive works is the symphonic portrait of Carnevale. The composition was premiered in 1916, at the so-called Historical Concert which is considered to have been a turning point towards a new era in the history of the Croatian music. The most successful and most frequently performed suite for string orchestra “Jelšonski tonci” was created in 1938 based on the folk melodies of his native region.