Is the grade 8 RCM exam hard?

I really hate to ask this sort of question, but what RCM level would this piece be considered..?

• What RCM piano/skill level would Beethoven's Sonata Op.49 No.2 (the "easy" sonata) be considered/needed to play this piece? I know it's kind of a stupid question, and I hate classifying pieces this way, but I have my reasons for wanting to know.. (OPTIONAL SECTION you don't have to read this) I'm about to start working on an RCM exam but not sure which grade, I strayed away from the program to work on pieces that I love instead and when I returned to the RCM books found I could easily sightread grade 7 pieces (which is where I thought I was at) so I'm thinking of going for grade 8 or 9 instead)?

• Answer:

  If you work on it, it can be done. My sister was a 7th when she was playing it. If you find it to be difficult work at a slower pace during your free time. It's an amazing piece.