Does the key signature affect the difficulty or grade of a piece?

[mmateas]

I think the title says it all.
Do exam boards like ABRSM actually include a piece's key signature, when assigning a certain grade to it? Or is it just about the technical part?

[1piano4joe]

Hi mmateas,

Welcome to Pianostreet!

It's just about the technical part.

RCM has a Preparatory Level piece, which is even before Grade 1 that has 7 sharps! The piece is called "Sparklers" by Linda Niamath. It is extremely easy to play.

In RCM Grade 2, there is a C.P.E. Bach piece in f minor which has 4 flats. The piece is Minuetto II in F Minor, H 196/2.

There is a Johann Ludwig Krebs piece in B minor called "Minute in B minor" which is grade 2.

If key signatures affected the grade, then how would one explain the above.

I hope I have been helpful, Joe.

[brogers70]

I've only ever read about those exams. It does seem to me that, for the sight reading section, though not for the prepared pieces, they stick to keys with relatively few sharps or flats at the lower levels of the exam.