Crossword Genius

Conductor (not American) taking on introduction to Irving Berlin’s songs (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lieder

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'berlin's songs' is the definition.
'lieder' can be an answer for 'songs' (lied is a kind of song). I am unsure of the 'berlin's' bit.

'conductor not american taking on introduction to irving' is the wordplay.
'conductor' becomes 'LED' (LED is an example).
'not american' becomes 'er' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'taking on' indicates putting letters inside.
'introduction to' says to take the initial letters.
The first letter of 'irving' is 'i'.
'led'+'er'='leder'
'leder' placed around 'i' is 'LIEDER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lieder that I've seen before include "German Romantic songs for solo voice" , "Musical settings for solo voice and piano" , "Relied on German song genre" , "songs by Schumann?" , "Vocal works" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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