The text is a transcript of the second lecture by musicologist, pianist, musical writer and historian of pianism Leonid E. Gakkel (1936–2024), given on October 25, 2011 at Zhiganov Kazan State Conservatory. It is devoted to the history of Soviet piano music and the development of the national performing school in the 20th century. The lecturer analyzes the work of major Soviet pianists—K. N. Igumnov, L. V. Nikolaev, L. N. Oborin, G. G. Neuhaus, S. T. Richter, E. G. Gilels, M. V. Yudina, A. B. Goldenweiser and V. V. Sofronitsky, demonstrates the influence of pedagogical traditions, national characteristics, and historical context on the formation of individual playing styles. Particular atten­tion is given to the traditions of memoirs, the pheno­menon of remembering departed masters, the close ties between “musical generations” and the formation of a unique family atmosphere among musicians, despite the external difficulties of the Soviet totalitarian regime.