Cantos y Danzas (Songs and Dances), one of Mompou's representative works, was composed between 1921 and 1962. Although there are 13 pieces in total, they are not all compiled into a single volume due to different publishers holding the copyrights. This first piece (No. 1) was composed in 1921. The 'Canto' (Song) is marked Quasi Moderato, in 3/4 time, and is based on the Catalan folk tale 'La Filla del Carmesí' (The Crimson Daughter). A gentle melody unfolds serenely over an accompaniment reminiscent of lapping waves.

The 'Danza' (Dance) begins with a contrasting intensity, marked Allegro non troppo. It is based on two types of Catalan dances: 'Dansa de Castellterçol' (Dance of Castellterçol) and, in the middle section, 'En la boira' (In the Mist). The standard performance time is 4 minutes.