Mompou, who spent six years in his native Spain from the First World War, composed Pessebres between 1914 and 1917. "Pessebres" is a Spanish word meaning "manger" (the trough where Christ was born) or "Nativity scene" (Christmas decorations depicting the birth of Christ). It consists of the following three short pieces, all written in a simple style. The standard performance time is approximately 7 minutes.

1. Dansa / No.1 "Dansa": G minor, 6/8 time, "Quietly." A Catalan dance. The melody, sung over an accompaniment played with a steady rhythm, is gentle. As the key changes, one should play with an awareness of the character of each key.
2. L'ermita / No.2 "L'ermita": Aeolian mode from A, 3/4 time. Lento-Moderato. "L'ermita" means "hermitage" and refers to the small hermitages common in the Catalonia region. Amidst the repeating eighth notes, which evoke snow falling deeply in the dim light, the melody must be played so that it emerges three-dimensionally.
3. El pastor / No.3 "El pastor": Modal style, 3/4 time, Moderato. The single melody, marked "indifferent," gradually increases in rhythmic vitality, accompanied by triads. Amidst the monotonous repetition, metallic sounds in the high register leave a striking impression.