Abzug

Literally 'pull-off' — the light, quick release of a key after it has been pressed, fundamental to producing a clear, non-blurred staccato or detached touch in Classical keyboard playing.

Abzug produces the characteristic crisp articulation of Viennese Classical piano playing that Czerny inherited from Beethoven and Hummel. In the faster Czerny études, each note should have a clean, complete release before the next key is depressed. The finger should feel as if it is brushing lightly off the key, not pressing through it.