OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether active specific immunization comprising tyrosinase and gp100:209-217 (gp100) peptides fused with OVA BiP peptide and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) induces immunity against tyrosinase and gp100 in HLA-A2 positive patients with stage III or IV melanoma. II. Determine the lowest optimally immunogenic dose of tyrosinase and gp100 in these patients. III. Determine the tolerability of this regimen in these patients.