This brings up an interesting point...is the chromatic scale actually a scale?

According to the first part of your definition, yes it is a scale cause it is a series of semi-tones. Does it have a distinct tonality? That's debatable. According to Schoenburg's 12-tone system (or dodecaphony, later evolved to serialism), they are atonal (no tonality). But according to the 12-tone system ALL notes have to be played before one is repeated again, thus erasing any clear tonality. If a chromatic passage is played without following this rule which many are, there is usually a tonal center of some sort. Usually by the harmony, the note played on the strong beat or longest note held in the passage. Composers like Stravinsky used chromatics alot in their music.
Serialism later evolved to encompass not only melody written with chromatics but also harmony.


[Edited by noticingthemistake on 01-30-2004 at 07:32 PM]