In the extensive liner notes to 'Tydings Trew' we learn that present-day Christmas celebrations owe a great deal to English monks, particularly followers of St. Francis of Assisi who arrived in England in 1224. Carols, not at all religious, were a form of ribald dance. The form, but not the content, was appropriated by the friars and Christian sentiments added to the verses. All-male sextet Lionheart is one of America's leading ensembles in vocal chamber music, best known for its interpretation of medieval and Renaissance a cappella music, particularly Gregorian chant. 'Tydings' is the 4th CD featuring their smoothly blended harmonies and precise, balanced sound. There are 22 carols from 14th and 15th century England, mostly relating to the nativity, but varying in their methods and purpose. 'Antiphon: Facta est cum angela,' for example, sings in Latin of the angels' annunciation, while 'Carol: A, my dere, a, my dere Son' is Mary singing to her newborn baby. 'Carol: Nowel, nowel' is likely the actual 'first noel,' and quite different from it, but simply beautiful.